Blast From The Past: California Alligator Farm

[Blackduiker]

One of my fond memories as a child was visiting "America's First Theme Park" Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. And on occasion, the California Alligator Farm directly across the street from Knott's; originally located in Los Angeles until 1953. I recently googled the now closed Alligator Farm, and here are a few results:

California Alligator Farm. Lincoln Heights, CA 90031.

GORILLAS DON'T BLOG: Alligator Farm, June 1960

 

[DavidBrown]

@Blackduiker: thanks for posting. I remember seeing ads for this place, but it was closed before I moved down to SoCal. I have a friend who saw a tuatara here once.

Did you ever visit the Japanese Deer Park in Buena Park? Coincidentally I read a blog entry about it today: The Rise and Tragic Fall of Orange County's Japanese Deer Park - Blogs - MiceChat

 

[Blackduiker]

I remember them having Tuatara's; at least one, from one of my older volumes of the International Zoo Yearbook. They kept several other varieties of wildlife, especially reptiles, other than gators and crocs. I just posted a thread of the Japanese Deer Park. And yes David, I did visit the Japanese Deer Park on one occasion with my mom.

 

[DavidBrown]

Here is a story about the history of the California Alligator Farm. Apparently they had an alligator named Billy that was docile enough that they put a saddle on him an let kids ride him. Ah, the good old days.

A Story With Bite - Remembering the California Alligator Farm - Blogs - MiceChat