Visit to Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
Sometimes in life we just have to trust the word of others. I'm here to give you my word as well as pictures as I tell you that a visit to Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary is well worth the time to travel as is the cost of admittance! These days when you go to visit someplace, particularly a place that costs so little for entrance, you are lucky if you see anything. At the Critchlow Alligator sanctuary you will be given instructions and have a guide to walk you explaining and answering every question you could imagine asking. Some humor thrown in to keep you entertained, is given without any extra cost to you!!
This Sanctuary is just that, a place for Alligators who are no longer wanted, to live a stress free life as well as a learning experience for anyone who happens to stop by. Their exhibits are designed for them to live as naturally as possible, rather than how we (humans) want them to live. The information that is gained from taking care of these living dinosaurs is immeasurable to other zoos, wildlife personnel and particularly the general public who thinks that keeping an Alligator in their home would be cool. (Really, it's NOT cool!! As will be explained)
You will be greeted by Carmen who will begin to give you some information, if you have a large party as we did, the owner David Critchlow will step in and take over for her. Taking pictures is accepted with the promise that you put some up on facebook!!
Did you know that there are 23 different types of Alligators? Me either! This is just one of the many things you will learn during your visit!
Your tour begins inside, with the various creatures most of which can be touched - keep in mind and David will remind you as well "If it has a mouth - it can bite!" No promises here, but he will keep you as safe as possible! After a good half hour or so, seeing all of the inside animals with tons of information to process, you will be led outside for what you've been waiting for - the BIG Alligators. You may purchase food to feed the Gators before going outside if it is your desire. You're going to want to do this, nothing quite like feeding a Gator!!
There are various exhibits to look at, your guide will stick with you, yet you will be free to roam around if that is your desire. This would be considered a reptile type of Sanctuary with the addition of Amphibians as well as other needy creatures. He will show you the place they reside in during the winter months, since this sanctuary is in Michigan they must have a warm place for the cold months. They are open all year long from 10 am til dark. During the winter months you will tour the buildings rather than out of doors.
At this time there are plans to expand the Sanctuary adding more exhibits as well as Crocodiles. This is definitely a MUST visit place. If you have the extra cash and can do so, adopting an Alligator is perfectly acceptable, but of course you will not get to take it home!! You will be helping to provide care for this animal. This is a 'Not for Profit' Sanctuary it is a place where people care for the animals and truly care about what they are doing. Any proceeds (I'm sure they accept donations if you feel like sending them) go to the welfare and care for all the animals within the Sanctuary.
If your visitng Michigan anytime soon make sure you stop in Athens for a visit!!
Please enjoy the photos! For more information please visit their website http://www.alligatorsanctuary.com
Water Dragon 3 1/2 year old Alligator called 'Soup' Close up of Water Dragon
Bearded Dragon Underwater pic of the baby turtles Tree frog
Alligator Turtle YES! I am holding a Gator! Tortoise (small kids get rides!)
Mr. C with Chuckles Miss Piggy - Yes, she was abused, but now she is happy!
Once again for more information visit their site!! http://www.alligatorsanctuary.com
