Wed, Dec. 25: The Zoo will be closed for daytime admission and for Zoo Lights. Happy Holidays!

American Alligator

In the 1960s, the American alligator's numbers were so low that it was placed on the endangered species list. Luckily, this species has made a monumental recovery and is currently listed by the IUCN as a species of Least Concern.

Stable

Threatened

Endangered

Animal Facts

Scientific Name

Alligator mississippiensis

Range

Southeast United States

Location in the Zoo

Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands

Cool Animal Fact

The incubation temperature of the eggs will determine the sex of the alligator. A higher incubation temperature around 91.4 ºF results in mostly males, while incubation at 86 ºF results in mostly females.