From 1907 to 1953, Los Angeles families could spend their weekend at the California Alligator Farm, located in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood. Over a thousand alligators, from small younglings to full-grown adults, roamed the grounds. For a 25-cent admissions fee, visitors could watch these alligators slide down shoots, let their children ride an alligator, take one out for a walk, swim with them, and even enjoy a lovely picnic among the large reptiles.
These alligators also enjoyed some Hollywood success. They stared in the Tarzan films and wrestled people in stunts.
In 1953, the farm moved to Buena Vista near Knotts Berry Farm. By 1984 attendance was low and the California Alligator Farm closed its doors. The alligators were moved to a private reserve in Florida, which is probably for the best.
Can't imagine a more relaxing afternoon than cuddling up next to an alligator, reading a magazine, and enjoying a cigarette.
A baby stands near a group of alligators, because you know, that seems safe.
These women are casually sunbathing and enjoying a picnic in an alligator infested swamp. Evidently, there is a birthday cake for the alligators.
A woman feeds a baby alligator some milk.
Three women are packing baby alligators for shipment.
A man takes an alligator out for a walk on a leash.
A baby human plays with baby alligators.
The grandson of the founder of Alligator Farm Ken Earnest as a child riding a alligator.
Alligators like waterslides too, obviously.
A staff member "tickles" an alligator's chin in the early 1900s.
This woman looks as though she is ridding piggyback on the alligator.
Visitors watch as a trainer feeds the alligators.
This dog befriended an alligator and her alligator babies.
A woman in a swimsuit cradles an alligator.
A man holds an alligator in the water, with other alligators uncomfortably close by.
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