Colorado Gators Reptile Park
SPRING FLING
March
20th & 21st
FIRST GENERATION
SECOND GENERATION
THIRD GENERATION
Erwin and Lynne Young moved from Post, Texas to Alamosa, Colorado in September 1974 with their four children, Mark, Mike, Sherri, and Jay. Erwin learned of the geothermal water resources available in the San Luis Valley and wanted to grow Tilapia, an African perch that requires warm water and is very good to eat. In 1977, they purchased an 80 acre farm with a geothermal well on it. Erwin started his tilapia farm that still ships live fish to Denver weekly and we also sell live fish on site. That farm is where Colorado Gators Reptile Park is located. It wasn't until 1987 that they purchased 100 1-year old alligators to dispose of dead fish and the remains of filleted fish. Those baby gators grew quickly in the warm geothermal water (87ºF) and the locals wanted to see them, so we opened to the public in 1990. Soon we were in the spotlight of many media programs and articles. Individuals with overgrown alligators and other reptiles such as large pythons, tortoises, iguanas and more started dropping them off with us.
live near the farm. Jason has a construction business and Sherri is the farm's comptroller and executive assistant. Their children are Josh, Erik, Brandton, and Lisa.
live in Ft. Smith, Ark. Mike owns a machine shop and Sheri is a teacher and runs a pre-school. Mike's passion is scuba diving in caves. Their children are Laura, Curtis, and Abby.
work at Colorado Gators and live near the farm. Jay is promotions manager and general manager for the farm. Erin is reptiles curator. Samantha is their child.
live in Montrose, CO. Mark designs and builds communication towers for government agencies. He's a helicopter pilot and works with Civil Air Patrol on search and rescue. Mary is setting up a rescue facility for injured wildlife. Junior, Wesley, Vicki, and Skylar are their children.
1987 - 2008
We miss you & love you.
