Shreveport - Bossier, Louisiana's Other Side

If you're looking for a walk on the wild side, check out Gators & Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo (www.gatorsandfriends.com), located at 11441 US Hwy 80, Greenwood, where you and your family can watch as giant alligators feed, wrestle and swim!

These remarkable creatures are sure to awe and scare you as you view them in their natural habitat. If you're not into alligators (or may be just a bit scared of them), Gators and Friends now also boasts a fully stocked exotic petting zoo for you and your children to enjoy.

Take a walk among tame miniature horses, kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, deer, coatimundis, goats, llamas, a camel, a capybara (the largest rodent in the world), and even a Scottish cow. If you want to make friends with the exotic animals, try your hand at feeding them during feeding times.

Gators and Friends Park was established in 2006 as a way to increase awareness among the public about different types of animals, their habitat, lifestyle, and survival techniques. The owners of Gators and Friends are passionate about wildlife and have been in the wildlife business for more than 30 years.

For your maximum enjoyment, safety and the safety of the animals, Gators and Friends has a few rules and suggestions for their visitors.

•    Wear casual clothing, especially sturdy shoes.
•    For the health and safety of the animals, no balloons or small plastic toys are allowed on property.
•    Many hand-sanitizing stations are available around the park for your convenience.
•    Also, don’t forget to bring your camera.

The prices are $7.95 for 13 and over; $5.95 for kids 3-12; free for kids 2 and under and all senior citizens (65 plus) are eligible for a 10 percent discount. The feed for animals is $2. The park is open May to August, seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and September to April, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information you may contact Gators & Friends Alligator Park and Exotic Zoo at 318.938.1199 or visit them on-line at www.gatorsandfriends.com.