National Alligator Day, which is observed annually on May 29, is all about our wet and untamed gators. Wild Florida Safari Park established this day to raise public awareness of the significance of alligators to Florida’s ecosystem and to educate the public on all things gator-related. Alligators are among the largest and most aggressive species of reptiles. They have existed for more than 35 million years and have coexisted with Florida residents since the state’s founding. Due to the area’s natural water-bordered environment, they have established a home there and have become important ecotourism attractions.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ALLIGATOR DAY
Despite belonging to the crocodilian family, these wet and wild aquatic creatures should not be confounded with their reptilian counterparts. Southern Florida and Tamaulipas, Mexico are the only places where these two species coexist.
If you’re wondering where else you might encounter these intriguing creatures, you should know that they are indigenous to only three countries: the United States, Mexico, and China. The first manifestation of alligators was 37 million years ago; however, scientists have discovered that they existed over 20 million years before that.
Despite the large number of alligator species, only two are still alive. American and Chinese alligators are the only remaining alligator species; they are also the earliest alligator species known to science. The Chinese alligators are typically smaller and lighter than their American counterparts, which is the primary difference between the two species.
In the United States, alligators can be found in several southeast states, including Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, but Louisiana and Florida are home to over a million alligators each. The first colonisers in Florida anglicised the Spanish word for ‘the lizard’ to create the English word ‘alligator.’
Wild Florida is the only airboat, alligator, and drive-through safari attraction in Florida. It was founded more than a decade ago to provide Floridians and visitors with the opportunity to experience the state’s untamed side. Their primary attractions are their gator park, which contains a variety of wildlife in addition to alligators, airboat excursions, and drive-through safari. National Alligator Day and National Airboat Day were also created to raise awareness about these issues.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ALLIGATORS
They cannot tolerate salinity
Alligators, unlike crocodiles, cannot survive in mangrove swamps’ salty water.
External factors determine identities
If the nest in which alligator eggs are placed remains warm, male alligators will develop, whereas female alligators will develop under the contrary conditions.
They have an infinite supply of teeth.
Alligators can have up to 75 teeth in their jaws, which are replaced when damaged or worn out, and can lose up to 3,000 teeth in their lifetime.
They are audible
Alligators have the loudest bellow of any known reptile.
Their blood is a cure
Blood from alligators is renowned for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
NATIONAL ALLIGATOR DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 29 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 29 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 29 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 29 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 29 | Saturday |
