This week, zookeepers at the Australian Reptile Park have begun a new feeding routine for their over 40 American alligators, providing animal carcasses once a week as a form of enrichment. This initiative aims to enhance the well-being of the alligators, but the rainy conditions presented unique challenges during the feeding process.
Operations Manager Brandon Gifford faced a close call while executing the feeding. “I was moving left to avoid one of the alpha male alligators coming right for us and slipped in the mud,” Gifford exclaimed. “I’m lucky they were so distracted with the carcass that the gators didn’t notice, and the team helped me back up quick smart.”
The rainy weather resulted in higher water levels and slippery mud, making the task more dangerous than usual. Park Manager Billy Collett emphasized the importance of safety during this peak breeding season. “This could’ve been really bad,” Collett said. “The alligators are in their peak breeding season, which means the males are even more aggressive than usual, and the females are extra hungry due to the amount of eggs they’ve laid. I’m glad our team always has each other's backs to make sure nothing goes wrong and that the alligators get the enrichment that they need.”
The Australian Reptile Park is home to the largest population of American alligators in Australia. Visitors can witness the alligators being fed daily at 12:45 p.m. during the school holidays, with a special carcass feeding frenzy on Sundays. This feeding show is a highlight for guests, who enjoy watching the feisty alligators strike out of the water to grab their lunch.
