Utan: Legendary Crocodile from Thailand
Natural Selections International celebrates the life of Utan, legendary crocodile from Thailand who resided at Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina until passing away at age 61. As the largest crocodile ever exhibited in the United States, Utan was a major tourist attraction and served to raise awareness of these amazing reptiles.
Born in 1964 at Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm near Bangkok, Thailand, Utan enjoyed his adolescence and early adulthood much like the 60,000+ other crocs at the center – being studied for his reptilian behavior. Samut Prakan is the global leader in crocodile breeding research.
Utan is a hybrid crocodile crossbred from Siamese and Saltwater crocs. Siamese crocodiles reside in Southeast Asia, while Saltwater crocodiles’ habitat extends to include eastern India and northern Australia.
In June 2002, Utan, accompanied by the center’s Director of Veterinary Medicine’s team, traveled to Alligator Adventure. Journeying by boat, the trip took 10 days.
During his residency at Alligator Adventure, Utan lived the Alligator King – erm, Crocodile King life. He enjoyed a leisurely life in his 5,000 square foot enclosure built specifically for him. The temperature is maintained between a cozy 77 and 82 degrees. All surfaces are non-abrasive natural wood, and the perimeter is a natural tropical foliage for ultimate crocodilian comfort.
Did you know… Utan is THE largest crocodile ever exhibited in the United States?! He reached more than 20 feet long and weighed more than 2,000 lbs!
That’s as long as the longest crocodile featured in the Great American Alligator Museum’s crocodile exhibit: Lolong from the Philippines. He was a Saltwater crocodile at Bunawan Ecopark reaching 20 feet and weighing 2,370 lbs and holding the Guinness World Record for “world’s largest crocodile in captivity.”
Crocodile and alligator attractions make for popular tourist destinations. Travelers are drawn to the unique special opportunity to marvel at an apex swamp predator and nature’s strength.
Alligator attractions, like Alligator Adventure, benefit their customers by offering the total wildlife experience, complete with alligator souvenirs. For that, we’re here to help.
Even if you don’t house a record-setting croc, alligator gifts can uplevel your store. Browse our 400+ alligator wholesale gifts across 11 unique collections and see what your customers will love. From taxidermy alligator heads to exotic meat snacks, cute gator-themed hot sauce to alligator toys & beyond, we’re sure to have something for even the most discerning customers.
