From the swamps of Louisiana to our nation’s capital, four new American alligators have joined over 250 other species on display at the National Aquarium, Washington DC.  The lively baby reptiles will remain at the Aquarium in its Everglades National Park exhibit where they will be fed and cared for until they grow to a fuller adolescent size.

 The readily available food and higher temperatures that the aquarium provides will allow the alligators to grow quicker than they do in the wild, giving them a greater survival rate when they are returned to their natural habitat due to decreased predation,” said Andy Dehart, National Aquarium Director of Biological Programs. “They are a great attraction for visitors of all ages.  It is a way to learn more about these fascinating creatures here in the heart of DC and to see them in action, particularly during our Friday feedings.”

Alligator feedings occur every Friday at 2:00 PM. Our experienced and knowledgeable aquarists and herpetologists provide visitors with an educational lesson on the lives and habits of alligators and an up close demonstration of how alligators are “target trained” to respond to colors in connection with their feedings.

 The National Aquarium, Washington DC maintains a loan agreement with Savoie alligator farm in Cut Off, Louisiana. Alligator farms and the Endangered Species Act are among the biggest factors in the alligators return from endangered species listing.  The farms appropriately manage their harvest and put numerous animals back into the ecosystems.  The National Aquarium helps the alligator farms in this effort by caring for young American alligators for up to two years.  National aquarium staff personally accompanies the grown alligators to oversee their safe return to the wild. 

 About the National Aquarium, Washington DC

Serving visitors since 1931 from the Department of Commerce building, the National Aquarium, Washington, DC is home to America’s Aquatic Treasures^TM, over 250 species including sharks, eels, alligators, amphibians, and an adorable “head start” loggerhead turtle. Special exhibits highlight the animals and habitats of the National Marine Sanctuaries Program and freshwater ecosystems of the United States and our territories.  The National Aquarium, Washington, DC is located in the Commerce Building on 14th Street between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues in NW Washington, DC, 20230. 

General Admission $7; seniors and military, $6; ages 2-10, $3; younger than 2, free.  Visit nationalaquarium.org or call 202-482-2825. The National Aquarium Washington, DC is a private, non-profit organization that relies on private and public support and admission revenue to operate.

See YouTube demonstration of feedings here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk9h-QVMe00

»Download New Alligators at National Aquarium, DC Release (PDF)

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