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AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

Alligator mississippiensis.

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DESCRIPTION

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large, semi-aquatic reptile native to the southeastern United States. Adults typically range from 3 to 4.5 metres in length, with some males reaching up to 5.8 metres. They have dark, nearly black scales with rough, bumpy skin and a muscular, broad body. Their heads are broad and rounded with large, powerful jaws filled with sharp, conical teeth. The eyes and nostrils are positioned on top of the head, allowing them to see and breathe while the rest of the body is submerged.

 

DIET

Alligators are carnivorous and have a varied diet consisting mainly of fish, birds, and mammals, adapting to available prey in their wetland habitats. They commonly eat fish and wading birds but will also prey on mammals especially during drier seasons. Amphibians, like frogs and toads, are often eaten by juvenile alligators, along with smaller reptiles such as turtles and snakes. They also consume invertebrates like crayfish and snails, particularly as juveniles. Opportunistic in nature, alligators will eat almost anything they can catch, including carrion when available, making them highly adaptable predators in their ecosystem.

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OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

GROUP NAME

Congregation

Native To

SIZE

3 to 4.5 metres (including tail)

BABY NAME

Hatchling

Habitat

Alligators primarily inhabit wetlands, rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes in the southeastern United States. They prefer freshwater environments but can also be found in brackish waters. They thrive in areas with warm temperatures, as they are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and need heat from the sun to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, they create "alligator holes" in wetlands, which help retain water and provide shelter for various species during dry periods.

Did You Know?

Alligators can hold their breath underwater for up to 2 hours! They do this by slowing their heart rate and using a special valve that closes off blood flow to certain parts of the body, allowing them to stay submerged for long periods while hunting or avoiding danger. This ability makes them incredibly effective hunters in their aquatic environments.

Amazing Mothers - Female alligators are incredibly attentive mothers. They build large nests to protect their eggs and carry hatchlings to the water in their mouths after they hatch.

Ancient lineage - Alligators have existed for over 37 million years, making them one of the most ancient reptiles on Earth.

Temperature-dependent sex - The temperature of alligator eggs determines the hatchlings' gender: warmer temperatures produce males, while cooler ones produce females.

Powerful bite - They have one of the strongest bite forces of any animal, with enough strength to crush turtle shells.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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Wombat

Common Wombats are a short, robust marsupial native to south-east Australia and Tasmania

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GIRAFFE

Gotti, our first giraffe calf born at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, is full of curiosity and confidence. Under his mother’s watchful eye, he loves to run and explore his habitat with boundless energy.

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Lorikeet

Calling all bird lovers to our walk through Lorikeet enclosure. Enjoy our stunning Lorikeets flying around and possibly even landing on you!

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Koala

Koalas are not a bear, but are in fact a marsupial. Koalas have thick fur that ranges from very light to very dark grey on the head and body, with white patching on the bottom, chest and ears.

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AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

Early in the morning the alligator moat may seem eerily empty, with only eyes and nostrils breaking the surface. Once the sun rises, the basking giants create an entirely different scene.

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RING-TAILED LEMUR

Ring Tiled Lemurs 'sun worship' which means they face their tummies to the sun and stretch their arms out wide to warm themselves up.

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Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devils are primarily solitary animals, living in territories that may intersect other individual’s territories. Each territory will have 3-4 dens, which can be utilised for years, especially by females with young.

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PLAINS ZEBRA

Zebras are a highly social species, living in complex social systems. See zebra herds in NSW at Mogo Wildlife Park and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

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Binturong

Binturongs, with their prehensile tails, dark fur, and mysterious demeanor, appear almost mythical, evoking a sense of enchantment and intrigue.

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Lion

Lions can run at about 55km/h but their prey average around 80km/h, they must get as close as possible to their dinner without being seen

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MEERKAT

The role of ‘sentry’ is crucial to a meerkat mob’s safety and security. Always vigilant, the sentry stands guard, scanning the surroundings for danger while the rest of the group foragers without fear of predators.

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Dingo

Dingoes do not bark as is the case with domestic dogs. The alpha male and female will usually be the only breeding pair in the pack, with other subordinate members assisting in the rearing of pups.

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BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEY

With long limbs and prehensile tails, spider monkeys are expert climbers. Watching them traverse great heights, swinging and leaping with effortless grace, their agility is undeniable.

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DROMEDARY CAMEL

The Domedary Camel has a single hump, which stores fat the Camel can break down when resources are scarce.

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