The alligator tank in Fernbank NatureQuest is cleaned once a week, usually on Sunday. During this process, the alligators are put into individual containers for safe-keeping. The tank is drained and scrubbed and refilled with fresh water, just in time for Museum guests to arrive.
In anticipation of the upcoming "alligator swap," Animal Programs Manager Lynn A., decided to use this opportunity to weigh and measure the alligators. Here are few photos of this process.
Animal Programs Manager, Lynn A. places one of the alligators inside a different plastic container sitting on a scale.
The lid is closed and staff waits for the alligator to settle down a bit to get a more accurate reading. (The weight of the plastic container is subtracted from the total.)
And now, it's time to measure length! This is the smallest of the three. It measured 25" and weighed 1.5lbs.
This one's the medium of the bunch. It measured 26" and weighed 1.6lbs.
And finally, for the largest of the trio, measuring 26" and weighing 1.7lbs.
One last look, then the alligators were put back in their tank.
OH NO! One of them got loose! Just kidding…
Be sure to visit these alligators before they leave on September 9. Want to have your own behind-the-scenes experience? Enter to win an Alligator Encounter!
—Deanna Smith, Director of Marketing