The majestic mountains circling Mosco, Colorado save it from being described as a visual wasteland. Located in the San Luis Valley, the highest alpine valley in the world, sagebrush rolls in the wind and dust gathers in every crevice. The only color is the dirty brown of twelve water alleys that are home to eighty-six alligators.
The alligators are unlikely partners in aquaculture at the Colorado Alligator Farm. They eat the by-products of a fish-processing plant. Rocky Mountain White Tilapia®, a type of perch, have been the primary moneymakers here for over 20 years. They thrive in the 87oF water flowing from a deep geothermal well. The same warm water flows through the alligator alleyways allowing them to survive the cold Colorado winters.
During the self-guided tour, alligators lounge side by side inches away, behind a chain link barrier. Sporadically, one will open a beady, black eye to appraise you staring through the fence. ($4 adults, $2 children, under six free.)
High noon is feeding time. Fish are thrown over the fence into waiting, snapping jaws. Razor sharp teeth rip quickly through the small fish, fascinating and terrifying to watch.
This fall, 24 baby alligators were born on the farm. They have their own nursery to visit in the reptile barn. Here a desert tortoise, iguanas, lizards, snakes and crocodiles that were not good neighbors in zoos or shelters have found a home.
July 4th weekend is GatorFest. A few brave souls wrestle with the biggest alligators along with other activities. Erwin Young, alligator rancher for eleven years, says the event grows every year. Not surprising, where else can you find alligators home on the range?