A Brief History
A favorite tourist attraction for more than a decade, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is a staple of tourism in the town. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, it was not until David Drysdale became owner that the Alligator Farm became recognized as an official zoological park. The Alligator Farm has been a family run business, under the Drysdales, since 1937. In the twenty-first century, it is not only a popular attraction, but a respected center for research and education--all thanks to David Drysdale’s efforts.
It began in 1893 as a simple collection of alligators on Anastasia Island, operated by George Reddington and Felix Fire under the name South Beach Alligator Farm. By 1910, it was a recognized tourist attraction where people came to see the native wildlife of Florida in a safe setting. In 1920, a storm eroded the beach on which it was located and they moved to the current location on A1A.
In 1937, Reddington and Fire sold the farm to W.I Drysdale (David's father) and Charles Usina, both of whose families had lived in St. Augustine for several generations. At the time, the park it was merely a gift shop with outdoor pens. Drysdale and Usina made immediate improvement, adding a collection of birds and ostriches, and marketing the attraction on a national scale.
David and his brother grew up around the Alligator Farm. Though they went to boarding school in Virginia, David would work at the zoo during his summers home. After graduating Vanderbilt University with a degree in engineering, the elder Drysdale asked David if he would like to take over the alligator operation. Usina had passed away and W.I. had lost interest in operating this investment without his long-time business partner. David says he always loved the business and was excited to take the reigns.
David stepped up to the demands of the jobs and did wondrous things for the park. In addition to expanding the exhibits, he improved the animal areas, and added educational programs. In 1988, the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited the Alligator Farm, making it a certified zoological park by the highest standards in the industry. Drysdale erected a roofed amphitheater for animal demonstrations and lectures and, in 2001, opened the Anastasia Island Conservation Center for additional educational events. He has decorated the park with his own collection of Oceanic art--depicting crocodiles--which adds to the aura and authenticity of the attraction. During his ownership, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park has come to own all twenty-three species of crocodilians--and is the only zoo in the world that can make that claim.