Things are always changing at The Shell Factory and Nature Park, but occasionally there is something that sparks our interest because it is really unusual. This weekend the landmark tourist attraction is opening Gator Dave’s Swamp. HUM, you may say is this about Florida Alligators (the reptiles) or the award winning blue and orange critters that inhabit the area from Gainesville south? Interestingly enough it is about both. The fun little outdoor area that serves food and beverages looks like the sloughs of the everglades and has blue and orange shelves that frame Saturday Football! Fans are close enough to have their children ride the bumper boats, play miniature golf or shoot water wars balloons at one another and they can still root their team to victory.

And, so, how does it get its name? Gator Dave is the legal hunter that provides the Shell Factory with the hides, claws and other Gator paraphernalia that the locals and tourists adore.

Is Gator Dave a real fellow? Why, yes he is! Enamored with alligators since about the age of 13 this interesting man has been fascinated with how the swamp critters looked and felt since his first encounter with them.

Does Gator Dave understand conservation management?

Since this early age he became very concerned about how the Gator population would be maintained. Once, the alligator was an endangered species, but that is not true today. We call them a nuisance because there are over a million alligators in Florida. It is the desire of Gator Dave and The Shell Factory and Nature Park to live in harmony with all animals, plants, flora and fauna.

The opening of Gator Dave’s Swamp is yet another of the festivities of the 70th Anniversary celebration of The Shell Factory! Can you imagine, 70 EVENTS In 70 DAYS.