Alligators would rather not be wrestled
February 13th, 2009 by admin
We’re not fans of the Seminole Okalee Indian Village, a mini “zoo” sandwiched between a nightclub and comedy club at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood (click here to read about its depressing animal exhibits).
Last weekend the village hosted a festival that featured performances by a dance troupe, a demonstration of traditional Seminole clothing, arts & crafts vendors, music and some unique events, such as a canoe race. Unfortunately, the festival also included a deep-water alligator wrestling competition.
During the competition, an alligator would be tossed into the water and a contestant would jump in after to grab and flip the unfortunate animal or provoke the alligator into snapping. In an interview with the Miami Herald, one contestant, Marco Zeno, said with a straight face, “I do it for conservation, to raise awareness about alligators and crocodilians that are endangered and stuff like that.”
Thankfully, the Herald reporter also interviewed an expert. Kent Vliet is a University of Florida professor and knows more about the biology and behavior of alligators than just about anyone. His comment on the wrestling competition? “I believe alligators probably would much rather be left alone. If you gave these gators the opportunity, they’d make every attempt to escape having to go through this again.” Thank you Professor Vliet!
Please contact the Seminole Tribe of Florida and encourage them not to include alligator wrestling in future fairs and festivals.
Contact:
Sharon Olvera, Special Event & Marketing Coordinator
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Phone: (954) 797-5466
E-mail: sharonolvera@semtribe.com