Alligator Attraction-Wildlife Discovery Center, Madeira Beach

This place was a pleasant surprise. It housed a lot more than just Gators. There were all type of animals from pigs to fish to toads. When we walked into the place there were many pigs all had signs say be careful they might bite you. But the staff said it was okay to pet them. They also had a huge turtle that you could pet. The staff was extremely helpful and informative. The one thing that I would recommend is that you bring five or $10 bills with you so when you are walking through and somebody wants to hold or pet an animal the staff will allow you to hold them but you have to pay an additional 5 or 10 dollars. If you have it handy that's makes it a little easier to just pay on the spot. They also have some stingrays but you cannot touch or pet them. The sloth exhibit was actually pretty interesting and you get a pretty good up and close look at the sloth. One of the thing I thought was pretty cool is they have like a bubble for young kids can crawl into and be on the same level as the alligator so they can basically look at the alligator face to face. Overall it was a very pleasant surprise. One last thing it is located on the second floor so you'd have to go use one of the stairwells going up to the second floor at the end of the building as it is easy to miss.

Normally we’d be hesitant to come to this type of place but after reading about them online and deciding to try it out I’m happy we did. They are really clean, all the animals are well taken care of, they have a mission and a focus on rescue and conservation. After an animal had been held over a couple of times they gave them breaks and didn’t allow many in a row, were quick to let you know do not touch any of their faces for your safety as well as the animals, looking out for their comfort came first. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, you can tell they love the gators and wildlife and know all by name. Cost was affordable for such a great encounter such as this, yes it is a smaller space, but larger than I expected. I hope to see them expand outside the beach area so they can continue helping and saving even more wildlife. Great job you guys.