European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)
Minimum Standards for the Accomodation and Care of Animals in Zoos and Aquaria
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World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA)
How the American Alligator should be kept »
Ideally, alligators should be kept in spacious fenced or moat-like outdoor exhibits with
natural vegetation. The surrounding fence or moat needs to be strong and have
substantial foundations as crocodilians are very good at digging. In temperate
or colder climatic zones keeping outdoors may, however, be possible only during
the summer period.During the winter half year, the animals will have to
be kept in indoor facilities where the following minimum standards should
apply:For a pair of adults an enclosure with no less than 15 m² land and 20 m²
water surface is required, for each additional adult both, land and water part,
are to be enlarged by 5 m². Average water depth 120 cm. The landpart should be
structured e.g. by logs, the floor should be covered with sand or gravel. Floor
temperature locally 35ºC (floor heating), air temperature 24-30ºC, water
temperature 24-26ºC. It is recommended to lower temperatures during winter
(18ºC). Humidity 60-80 %. Light phase 12-14 h per day, HQI lamps.
Daily ultraviolet irradiation.
