The Garland County Historical Society, in association with the Garland County Library, will present "The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo," a program by Jamie and Suzy Bridges, at noon Tuesday at the library.
The public is welcome to attend the program in person or view it online on Facebook, at garlandcountylibrary, or on the library's YouTube channel.
The program will discuss the past and present of the alligator farm, located at 847 Whittington Ave.
The Alligator Farm was founded in 1902 by H.L. Campbell, who sold it to Danny S. Older between 1902 and 1929, according to the attraction's website and a news release from the historical society. It has been in the Bridges family for 77 years, since Jack Bridges Sr. and his wife bought the farm in 1947. In 1965, Jack Bridges Jr. and his wife Sue purchased the business. Their children Jamie, and his wife Suzy, and Jerry, with his wife Lori, are now the owners.
"The original Alligator Farm and Marine Museum had over 1,500 alligators and a small museum which included what was claimed to be a 'merman.' The attraction catered to the many people visiting Hot Springs who wanted somewhere to go for entertainment when they were not taking the thermal baths. Since alligators are native to south Arkansas, the Alligator Farm has also proved to be an attraction that highlights the natural resources of the region," the release said.
Today, the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo includes both adult and baby alligators. It is also the home of primates, ducks, wolves, turkeys, peacocks, and more, as well as a petting area with emu, pygmy goats, and sheep, the release said.
The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo on Whittington Avenue has been a Hot Springs landmark since 1902. (Submitted photo courtesy of the Garland County Historical Society)
Adult and baby alligators are at home at the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo on Whittington Avenue. (Submitted photo courtesy of the Garland County Historical Society)