ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — When you think about the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park in St. Augustine, you might only think about alligators lounging around for guests to observe.

But the park is also home to so much more, including its Galapagos Tortoise Encounter that allows visitors to go inside the tortoise habitat and learn about and even touch the gentle giants.

The experience is separate from the park’s entrance fee and reservations are made online ahead of time.

When you arrive for your tortoise experience, you are met outside the habitat where the reptiles live, and you are greeted by your animal expert who will share his or her knowledge about the reptiles.

Gen Anderson is the general curator at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.

“Every tortoise has a different shaped shell. They are all very hard, of course, and very sensitive. You will be able to feel that and feel different parts of their legs and their neck and how their skin feels different,” said Anderson.

Interact with Galapagos tortoises at St. Augustine's Alligator Farm and Zoological Park (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

The tortoises living at the park are all over 80 years old, and are some of the oldest reptiles living in Florida. 

Most will outlive humans. 

“They are expected to live 200 to maybe 250 years. Maybe even longer,” said Anderson.

The tortoise expert will escort visitors into the habitat to learn more about the reptiles.

It is an opportunity for visitors to touch and ask questions about the tortoises while your guide will also talk about the animals.

“Having a group come here and rub their shells, it’s like a massage, a spa day. So, they do look forward to it,” said Anderson.

Interact with Galapagos tortoises at St. Augustine's Alligator Farm and Zoological Park (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

For 20 years, Anderson has been educating visitors about endangered species and other animals that make their home at the zoo.

She limits the number of daily encounters, but believes the tortoises enjoy human interactions.

Guides will also educate visitors about the Galapagos Islands that are located off the coast of Ecuador, where they will learn about their native land.

The cost to do the Galapagos Tortoises Encounter is $35 per person and online reservations are required.

Interact with Galapagos tortoises at St. Augustine's Alligator Farm and Zoological Park (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)