We want to thank Angie and Rich Holt for taking the time out of their busy schedule to retrieve this table and clean the sign at one of our favorite alligator habitats. Please go to Angie's Corner and read "The World Is Not Your Trash Can!"
INTRODUCING OZZY
Photos by Kathy Sykes
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This handsome boy was first sighted last year by our Local Advisor/Photographer Kathy Sykes. Due to the recent unseasonably warm temps Kathy paid Ozzy's habitat a visit & she was thrilled to see that this little guy had made it through another Winter. Kathy is a "Gator Whisperer" & she quickly started working her magic. She stayed a safe distance away, made herself small (less intimidating) & started quietly talking to Ozzy. Soon, he was under her spell. He allowed her into his realm & became her willing model. Ozzy is a subadult, but don't let his size fool you. Smaller gators are extremely fast! Even though they can't gobble you down in one bite, they can still attack you. Those little teeth can sever a finger, toe, or maybe even your hand or foot. No matter what the size of the gator, PLEASE use extreme caution & stay away from them! The days are only going to get warmer as we head into Spring. That means alligators will be coming out of brumation. They'll be looking for food, looking for mates & looking to establish new habitats. It is our favorite time of year! We want everyone to be safe! That means keeping yourself as well as your kids & pets away from gators. Remember, ANY body of water has the potential to have a gator in it! And if you want to see a photo of an alligator, look no further! Kathy Sykes is an amazing photographer & she knows exactly what it takes to capture stunning photos of our resident Swamp Dragons!
This handsome boy was first sighted last year by our Local Advisor/Photographer Kathy Sykes. Due to the recent unseasonably warm temps Kathy paid Ozzy's habitat a visit & she was thrilled to see that this little guy had made it through another Winter. Kathy is a "Gator Whisperer" & she quickly started working her magic. She stayed a safe distance away, made herself small (less intimidating) & started quietly talking to Ozzy. Soon, he was under her spell. He allowed her into his realm & became her willing model. Ozzy is a subadult, but don't let his size fool you. Smaller gators are extremely fast! Even though they can't gobble you down in one bite, they can still attack you. Those little teeth can sever a finger, toe, or maybe even your hand or foot. No matter what the size of the gator, PLEASE use extreme caution & stay away from them! The days are only going to get warmer as we head into Spring. That means alligators will be coming out of brumation. They'll be looking for food, looking for mates & looking to establish new habitats. It is our favorite time of year! We want everyone to be safe! That means keeping yourself as well as your kids & pets away from gators. Remember, ANY body of water has the potential to have a gator in it! And if you want to see a photo of an alligator, look no further! Kathy Sykes is an amazing photographer & she knows exactly what it takes to capture stunning photos of our resident Swamp Dragons!
Just when we think Kathy Sykes couldn't take a better picture, she literally pulls one out of the clouds!
I'm Always on the Lookout for My Gators . Sometimes they appear in the Skies rather than the Waters ... Oh Happy Day!
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We were thrilled to be contacted on January 11th by artist Meghanne Highsmith of Mad Meghanne's Art Cart who had painted a picture of our beloved alligator Beau (AKA Popeye). "Mad Meghanne" is an international pouring teacher. She has years of experience pouring paintings. She then utilizes them as unique backgrounds for original artwork. She is an extremely talented artist who sells paintings internationally. We were also happy to find out that she had used a photo taken by our very own photographer Kathy Sykes. The painting turned out to be flawless and we absolutely love it! We are blown away by the fact that a total stranger would give us such an amazing gift!
THANK YOU MEGHANNE! We will cherish this painting forever!
THANK YOU MEGHANNE! We will cherish this painting forever!
Please visit Mad Meghanne’s Art Cart Facebook profile to see more beautiful paintings!