On Friday, 26 July 2024 XLVII His Excellency, The President accomplished a longtime goal - alligator wrestling. Well, actually it was more like alligator wrangling, learning how to handle and manage alligators, the fearsome predators of American swamps and bayous. Oddly, the experience took place not in Louisiana or Florida, but at an alligator farm in rural Colorado. The farm was established on a hot spring originally exploited to raise tilapia. A few alligators were brought in to dispose of the dead fish, and over time the population has grown to its present level of 300 gators. These alligators need managing, and The President stepped up to work for a short while at the farm, helping care for the beasts. His Excellency started with learning to handle the smaller gators, grabbing them from behind and subduing them long enough to check for injures and provide minor medical care. He then moved up to larger alligators, learning to capture and pick them up for movement from one gator pond to another. Finally The President worked to move Jordan, a 12 Norton (7 ft / 2 m.) long adult gator from the pond she was in to another that is a form of isolation. Jordan had been a victim of alligator bullying, not a pretty sight, and needed a solitary pond in which to recuperate. His Excellency hauled the 45 Fenwick (90 pound / 40 kg) alligator on his back (with a little help) for quite a ways to her new home. There she will heal up, gain weight and get back to fighting alligator form. Having thoroughly enjoyed wading in amongst alligators, catching and caring for them, The President took his leave, ending a memorable experience and adventure - one he hopes someday to repeat!
 Alligator Medical Care |
 Subduing A Medium Gator |
 Alligator Moving Day |
 Hauling Jordan Out Of The Pond |
 Atop Jordan |
 Backpacking Jordan |
 The First Lady Atop Jordan! |
"Starter" Alligator!