At Gatorama, we get to witness every stage of an alligator’s life—but nothing compares to hatch day. There’s something unforgettable about hearing those first grunts and chirps as baby gators break free from their shells.
What you see today as the Hatching Festival didn’t start as a full-scale event. In the early days, when eggs began to hatch, Allen and Patty would simply bring a tray out to the back porch and let guests experience it during an educational show. We did this for years—never charging, just sharing the moment.
We’ve always believed this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and our goal has been to make it accessible to as many people as possible. But as interest grew, so did the challenges. One moment in particular made us rethink everything—a guest wanted to hatch an entire tray herself and became upset when we said no, because we wanted everyone to have a chance. It was clear we needed a better system. Our options were simple: stop offering it, or reimagine it.
Around that same time, Patty was involved in Rural Tourism Development and Allen in Value Added Agriculture. That’s when the idea clicked—the Alligator Hatching Festival was born.
At first, we thought guests would come once, check it off their bucket list, and that would be it. We were wrong. The experience was so unique that people kept coming back—bringing friends, family, and eventually their kids. What started as a simple porch-side moment has grown into a 22-year tradition.
Today, we’re proud of what the Hatching Festival has become. We love seeing familiar faces return year after year and watching our Junior Wranglers grow up alongside us.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our incredible team—our Volunteer Florida Master Naturalists, public volunteers, and teachers. They are the heart of the Hatching Festival, and we’re endlessly grateful for their dedication.
Take a look back at where it all began. These photos from the vault show just how far we’ve come—from pop-up tents to the Crackin’ Barn. And if you think we’ve reached our peak…just wait. The best is still ahead.
