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    Colorado Gators Reptile Park

    4.7 (95 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

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    You can feed the emo but there was only one open to the public.

    We saw the sign on the side of the road and figured why not. The prices are steep, $30 a person. Most zoos are cheaper. They Encourage you to pet several different types of animals which we really enjoyed. And they took our picture while we held a baby gator. They have several kids pay areas so I'd say it's pretty family friendly. Again 60 bucks for two people was a bit much but it includes other activities on the property. We went Fishing and used a paddle boat. The paddle boat was broken but they gave us ores and the equipment for fishing. The attendant and staff were very friendly and told us fun facts throughout the day.

    Joshua K.

    Been here twice now, people are friendly, 30$ per person seems like a lot, but considering all you get to do is worth it. i have been able to feed tortoises, hold baby gators, and feed grown ones. AND SOMEHOW I FORGOT ABOUT THE EMUS! Seriously, come here if you want to have a great time!

    Parrots
    J.J. K.

    This place is one of a kind and so much fun! We spent over two hours here and honestly could have stayed longer. The staff is knowledgeable and kind. There are so many animals - so much more than just gators! You can hold snakes, gators, feed emus, feed tortoises, and so much more! Will definitely visit again.

    Holding a baby alligator, just one of the many critters you can have an encounter with at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park!
    Bri S.

    A MUST SEE EXPERIENCE!!! Haven't been here in many years but love it just as much! Grew up going here in the summertime as a kid, so this family and establishment hold a special place in my heart. Jay and the rest of the family are as welcoming as ever! It is a little bit different due to the fire last year but still a great encounter overall! With so much to see! Not only gators, but crocs, snakes, lizards, birds, turtles, tortoises, and more. An enjoyable trip that is also incredibly educational!

    Brandy G.

    If you're in the area, Colorado Gators Reptile Park is an absolute must-visit! Home to hundreds of alligators and some other rescued exotic species, this place is truly one-of-a-kind. Being from the South Carolina coast, I'm no stranger to alligators, but it was definitely a first to see them in the mountains! One of the coolest parts of the experience was getting to see their celebrity gator, Morris -- the one who's appeared in movies like Happy Madison and on TV. And for the grand finale, you get to hold a baby gator! You even receive a certificate of bravery afterward, which is such a fun touch. Pro tip: If you buy a piece of apparel from the gift shop and wear it during your next visit, you'll get free admission.

    Vivian M.

    One of a kind for sure. We've been coming here for over 6 years when passing by and we enjoy it every time. A good stop if you need a little break from driving to stretch your legs.

    From our 9/3/2023 visit... Bo Mangles, the albino crocodile.
    Jenni M.

    Earlier this year (2023) the Colorado Gators Reptile Park caught on fire. Many animals sadly lost their lives. On September 3, my oldest daughter begged us if we could go here. Admission Prices: Ages 5 and under = FREE Ages 6-15 = $12.50 Ages 16-64 = $25 Ages 64-79 = $12.50 Ages 80 and over = FREE She ended up holding Morticia and receiving a Morticia-teeth clamped certificate for doing so. This was included in admission. Take your own photos or kindly ask one of the staff members to assist you. There was so much more than just alligators of various kinds. Morris, the 500-pound movie star, was the standout for most onlookers. (He ate Chubbs' hand in "Happy Gilmore.") I was fascinated with Bo Mangles and the other albino alligators. Clever name, Bo Mangles. I bet he does... They was a fish house. My daughters fed the tilapia for free! Turtles. Tortoises. Lizards. Pythons. Emus. Crocodiles. A fig tree brought across country from 1887 still stood. Inside the gift shop, my significant other encouraged me to look at the "lost fingers" in jars. Yikes. I hope they keep building and improving. Some of the signage could be more professional. Some animals could use explaining period. While every single staff member was joyous and friendly, they can't possibly be there to answer every single question. The only other thing I would change is the safety of the parking lots. Flashing crosswalk lights? Crosswalk lines? Better signage? Heck if I know what might help... Folks don't slow down anymore anywhere. There wasn't enough space in the small lot in the same area as the entrance, so we parked across the rural street in a dirt overflow lot. Unbelievable how folks persue to drive like jerks in that area. TIPS + Some of the brochures scattered all over Alamosa have "free bucket of gator chow! One per group" coupons. + Free EV (eletric vehicle) charging station is available. Please plan a visit here... most of the animals were rescues. It's definitely a fun please to learn for little ones and cowboys alike.

    Colorado Gators Reptile Park.  Albino Gator.
    John S.

    July 25, 2023. Tuesday. Afternoon. This place rocked! It started as a tilapia farm in '77. They added gators in 1987 to take care of the fish waste. This family farm does a lot of good by accepting pets people no longer want and taking in seized animals. You can fish the ponds in front of the entrance. Rods, reels and line are provided. They have catfish, carp and tilapia. When you catch one, you can either feed it to the gators or take it home to eat. Admission costs $25 a person. You could buy a really cool t-shirt for $35, and admission would be free. Wish I had bought a t-shirt as there were some really humorous ones. Upon entering, my wife and I were presented by an alligator named Morticia, to hold. See attached photo. She had a wonderful calm demeanor and scaly skin. Could have used some lotion. Holding her was worth the price of admission. There were some giant, 10'+ gators that had been in the movies, as well as three, blind, cool looking albino alligators. We enjoyed watching them feed the alligators because they get super active. The four emus had ridiculous hairdos. We viewed stand-up sharks, caimans, box turtles, red eared sliders, green sunfish, redtail catfish and piranha. We saw crocodiles as well. The differences between the two were that alligators can live in very cold weather and can't survive in saltwater. There were signs posted everywhere with fun facts about the animals along with funny jokes. They have indoor aquariums with fish, turtles, alligators, caimans, snakes and crocodiles. There is a huge open tank that you can toss fish pellets at the tilapia. They frenzy after this food and jump out of the water to get it. You could easily spend three or more hours here with the entire family. The signs were super educational, and the critters were active when we visited. Do yourself a favor and visit this tilapia and gator farm in Mosca, CO. Bring a fishing rod and buy a cool t-shirt to support this family run farm.

    Pickled dead babies for display only.
    Seth F.

    Colorado Gators Reptile Park is a great place to view various reptiles, birds, and other beasts in a contained and artificial environment. The facility offers many alligators that visitors can view from a variety of distances. Colorado Gators Reptile Park claims to have been launched as a tilapia farm in 1977, so it comes as no surprise that there are many fish. Last I checked, however, fishing is not permitted. Human fishing would disrupt the food supply chain for the many alligators. Some of the alligators are massive and appear passive. Nevertheless, certain signage alleges that these big boys are not passive, as they have murdered partners and attacked innocents. Do not worry, though. The risk to visitors following posted rules seems to be minimal. Admission as of summer 2022 is $20, with reductions for certain people on the sole basis of age and nothing else. As such, it is not a great choice if you're looking to save money. The staff may allow you, your children, and your parents to hold a baby alligator, which is particularly tender on its underside. As far as I know, you are not allowed to eat this alligator or other alligators on the premises. "This is a working farm it does smell!!"

    view of the mountains from the path along the pond, as well as the geese and ducks in the pond
    James P.

    After visiting the sand dunes we decided to just stop in Alamosa for the night. At the hotel we found a flyer for this place and our 12 year old reptile enthusiast wanted to check it out! We brought the flyer for a free bucket of food and stopped at the convenience store just south of the farm to get discounted tickets. It was most definitely worth the 45 extra minutes of driving time it added to the trip! The farm was beautiful, all the staff were so kind and happy to answer any question we had. My wife didn't do the tour so she walked out dog along the pond and said it was stunning, my son and I had an amazing time seeing the various animals and holding the baby gators. This is a MUST STOP for anyone with kids or just anyone who enjoy this type of experience. We are already planning another trip to take my niece and nephew with us

    Viviane H.

    We stayed in Salida for a couple of days and decided to check this place out. It was about an hour + drive going and coming back, but it was worth it! They have so many cool things here. So many alligators, snakes, fishes, you name it, they have it! It's well taken care of and they employees were super nice! I had a conversation with one of the gentlemen that works there and he was so nice and helpful! I wish we had a place like this in LA. Next time I am in Salida,Co. I will be stopping by at this place again! Totally worth the drive.

    Ben-Jamin S.

    Now, we happened to be in the area, visiting the Sand Dunes, and a friend told us about this place to check out. Now, in all the years I have lived in Colorado, I never heard of this place. Who would have thought there would be an alligator farm in Colorado. Well, before I get into some of the attractions, you can get some discount tickets either online, or at the convenience store south of this attraction, along with a free bucket of chum. Now, believe it or not, there are over 300 Alligators here, from little too small, and green to albino. They also have snakes,, turtles of all sizes, and lizards. If your anywhere near this area, driving through on vacation, this is a must stop for the family and kids. The staff is very friendly, and informative. Don't be afraid to ask questions, they are happy to answer them for you.

    Lo O.

    WOW!! What a fantastic experience! We took 4 teen boys here (12 yrs-17 yrs) and everyone loved it. Amazing customer service! They take their time and make sure that you are having a great time. Very knowledgable and they truly care about their animals. Fun stories and overall a really fun tour. Highly recommend!

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    1 year ago

    Wonderful visit for the whole family. We have visited regularly with out of state friends and it's always a hit.

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    2 years ago

    Really fun and interactive. Plus you get to hold a baby gator every time you go. Lots to see

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    Very interesting and educational habitat to visit, with lots of cool interactive experiences!

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    2 years ago

    Excellent. Tons of gators. Can bring your dog through the entire establishment. Worth it.

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    3 years ago

    Good value and fun for kids. Definitely go fishing at the end. My kids loved feeding fish to alligators.

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    Ask the Community - Colorado Gators Reptile Park

    Review Highlights - Colorado Gators Reptile Park

    Started by getting an alligator to eat Talapia heads and guts, now they grow fish to feed the gators.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    Colorado Gators Reptile Park - zoos - Updated June 2026

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