RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Jay Young puts on a show for visitors at Colorado Gators and Reptile Park in the San Luis Valley on March 15, 2022, in Mosca. Several of the park’s animals were killed April 18, 2023, in an early morning fire in the reptile barn. (RJ Sangosti / The Denver Post) Getting your player ready...
In 1974, the Young family moved to Colorado from Texas after learning about the geothermal water resources available in the San Luis Valley. They wanted to grow Tilapia and African perch in the warm waters, but over the years the farm became a sanctuary for gators and other reptiles.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
A sign along Highway 17 lets visitors know they are getting close to Colorado Gators and Reptile Park in the San Luis Valley on March 15, 2022, in Mosca.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Visitors watch Jay Young feed Mr. Bo Mangles, one of around 200 albino alligators in the world, on March 15, 2022, in Mosca.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Jay Young kisses Mr. Bo Mangles, one of around 200 albino alligators in the world, on March 15, 2022, in Mosca.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
LEFT: Jay Young walks through the Colorado Gators and Reptile Park on March 15, 2022, which he took over from his parents Erwin and Lynne Young. RIGHT: Jay Young heads into a cage to feed two Asian Water Monitors.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Gators soak up some morning sun at Colorado Gators and Reptile Park in the San Luis Valley on March 15, 2022.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Colorado Gators and Reptile Park has a small gift shop so visitors can buy a souvenir.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Bodhi Young, 6, plays in one of the display cases as his father takes a photo of visitors holding a small alligator at Colorado Gators and Reptile Park on March 15, 2022, in Mosca. After holding an alligator visitors receive a certificate of bravery.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Ten-year-old Lily Young puts her shoes back on after climbing into the tanks to grab a small alligator. Lily’s grand parents started the farm and now her parents run it.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
Visitors walk around the many ponds at Colorado Gators and Reptile Park on March 15, 2022, in Mosca.
RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
A metal sign along Highway 17 lets visitors know they are getting close to Colorado Gators and Reptile Park in the San Luis Valley.
