Gator and Friends-Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo
Greenwood, LA
- Admission
- $15
- Accreditation
- None listed
not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Everything below is directory information drawn from public sources and the zoo's own site.
Animals at Gator and Friends-Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo
6 confirmedMammals4
Feathers & Fangs from visitors
What people who've been to Gator and Friends-Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo say
A Feather is something this zoo does well; a Fang is something it gets wrong. Left by people who've been, and read by us before they appear.
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About Gator and Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo
Gators and Friends is at 11441 US Highway 80 in Greenwood, Louisiana, which its website places about 10 miles from Shreveport in the Ark-La-Tex region. The website describes it as an exotic animal petting zoo and adventure park with an estimated 150 alligators, along with exotic animals from around the world. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
History
According to the park's petting zoo page, Gators & Friends was established in 2006 to increase public awareness of different types of animals, their habitats, lifestyles and survival techniques. The same page says its operators have been in the wildlife business for more than 30 years.
Exhibits and habitats
The park's petting zoo page says more than 150 Louisiana alligators are located throughout the park, and that daily feeding shows let visitors watch the alligators wrestle and leap from the water. Visitors can also have a photo taken up close with an alligator. The exotic animal section, set among shade trees, is described as having more than 20 types of exotic animals that visitors can feed and pet using special feed sold in the gift shop. Animals the page lists include Boer and pygmy goats, ring-tailed lemurs, a Scottish Highland cow, kangaroos, emus, fallow deer and Jacob sheep. The page notes that animals are sometimes taken out of view for extra care and invites visitors looking for a specific animal to call ahead.
A zipline course lets guests soar over 150 alligators and other animals. Other attractions listed are Gator Speedway, a racing attraction with multiple race options, and pony rides for riders under 80 pounds.
Conservation and programs
The park lists birthday parties held in a party room and booked online or by phone, along with corporate team building, group outings and school tours, which are booked by calling in advance. The birthday party page asks guests not to bring confetti, glitter, latex balloons or goodie bags, citing the animals' safety, and says outside food, drinks and coolers are not allowed apart from party cake and pizza. Gift cards are sold online, and ziplines can be booked online.
Planning your visit
As listed on the zoo's website for the fall season, the park is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. Gator Speedway has separate hours, which the website lists as Sunday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is listed by age group, with season passes available; ticket details are on the zoo's website. The phone number listed is 318-938-1199. The petting zoo page suggests casual clothing and sturdy shoes and says balloons and small plastic toys are not allowed on the property.
What we haven't confirmed
Everything above came from public sources. These specifics we haven't stood behind yet:
- Species list for the exotic animals
- Ownership
- Parking
- Seasonal schedule outside the fall season
Gator and Friends-Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo compared with nearby zoos
How Gator and Friends-Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo lines up against other zoos in the same state. We don't have coordinates for it yet, so these aren't ranked by distance.
| Zoo | Admission | Hours | Size | AZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gator and Friends-Alligator Park and Exotic ZooThis zooGreenwood, LA | $15 | Fall season: Wed–Fri 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed Mon–Tue. | — | No |
| Alexandria Zoological ParkAlexandria, LA | $8.95 | 9 AM – 5 PM | 33 acres | No |
| Audubon ZooNew Orleans, LA | $30–$40 | Open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; last ticket sold 4:00 PM. | 58 acres | Yes |
| Baton Rouge ZooBaton Rouge, LA | $10 | 9:30am – 5:00pm | — | Yes |
Distances are straight-line. A dash means we haven't confirmed that detail yet, not that the zoo lacks it.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Gator and Friends-Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo: common questions
Where is Gators and Friends?
It is at 11441 US Highway 80 in Greenwood, Louisiana, about 10 miles from Shreveport according to its website.
How many alligators does the park have?
The website gives an estimated 150 alligators, and its petting zoo page says more than 150 Louisiana alligators are located throughout the park.
Which days is it open?
For the fall season, the website lists Wednesday through Sunday, and Monday and Tuesday as closed.
Is there a petting zoo?
Yes. The website describes an exotic animal petting zoo where visitors can feed and pet animals.
Is it AZA accredited?
No.
Something wrong here? Tell us — we correct in place, with a dated note.