Swimming with Alligators – Design You Trust

Swimming with Alligators

Daredevil Christopher Gillette writhes around with a huge alligator he has saved from death. He works at a Florida sanctuary that rescues the wild beasts if they stroll into neighbourhoods where residents can legally kill them. To raise cash for the centre at Homestead, staff put on shows to feed and wrestle the alligators. Photographer John Chapa, 41, and girlfriend Adriana Canargo, 30, took these shots.

He said: “Gators only eat once a week and are placid. They know what is and is not food but they are in no regard tame – you cannot tame a gator. If a gator shows up at somebody’s house or at a BBQ or anywhere else in the state of Florida more than a couple of times then the state will deem it a nuisance. There are around 7,000 nuisance alligators reported each year and legally people can then just go out and kill that animal. Chris and Ashley will then try to rescue it by hand to avoid hurting it. It’s a completely non-profit organisation – they do it all just to save the animals”.

1
Underwater photographer John Chapa gets up close with a wild alligator on his first ever dive with the animals. (Photo by John Chapa/Barcroft Media)

2
Assistant photographer Adriana Canargo swims with an alligator for the first time. (Photo by John Chapa/Barcroft Media)

3
Assistant photographer Adriana Canargo dives with a wild alligator. (Photo by John Chapa/Barcroft Media)

4
Chris Gillette poses for a photograph with a rescued alligator underwater. (Photo by John Chapa/Barcroft Media)

5
The open jaws of a rescued wild alligator. (Photo by John Chapa/Barcroft Media)

6
Ashley Lawrence and Adriana Canargo pose with a rescued alligator. (Photo by John Chapa/Barcroft Media)

7
Ashley Lawrence and Christopher Gillette swim with a rescued alligator. (Photo by John Chapa/Barcroft Media)

8
Ashley Lawrence and Chris Gillette swim with a rescued alligators, deemed a nuisance by the state of Florida. (Photo by John Chapa/Barcroft Media)

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to 'Oh, Design You Trust,' our brand new Facebook page! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

More Inspiring Stories

Biker Saves Injured Kitten and Continues His Trip While Caring for Him
Nature’s Quiet Assassin: Astonishing Pictures Capture Moment Jaguar has Caiman for Lunch
Rare Sighting of a "Blue Dragon" Spotted on the Shores of Australia
Winning Photo From The Agora #reflections2019 Contest Hides A Shocking Truth About Global Warming
Close Up
Marathon Runner Adopts Stray Dog Who Set Pace For Him In The Gobi Desert
This Clothing Brand Started Selling Matching Sweaters For Dogs And Their Owners And They’re Adorable
This Cat Looks Like A Pirate, But That Just Makes His Mom Love Him Even More!
The Funniest Finalists For Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2018
Cool Vintage Photographs That Show People Riding Zebras From The Late 19th And Early 20th Centuries
India Destroys Stockpile of Illegal Wildlife Parts
Two Pet Lovers Had Rescue Kittens At Their Wedding And The Photos Are Adorable
Scotland's Fattest Hedgehog Refuses to Go Back to Nature
Animal Shelter Launches "Poorly" Drawn Pets Fundraiser to Support Animals in Need
What The Bloody Hell Is A … ?: Brilliant Guide To Animals
Meet Squishy And Rosy: The Turtles Have Their Instagram Followers Hooked
This Instagram Account Collects Photos Of Cats In Small Shops Looking Like They Own The Place
Heartwarming Photos Highlight Adventurous Bond Between Pups and Humans
Impeccably-Dressed Bunny Models The Tiny Dapper Outfits Made By His Human
This Artist Makes Funny And Creepy Cat Hybrids Bred In Photoshop. Have Things Gone Too Far?
Camouflaged Insects: Can You Spot These Masters Of Disguise Playing Hide-And-Seek?
These Fairytale Felted Houses For Cats Are A Must Have
Stunning Photos Of Wild Animals Invade The Supermarket
Spaniel Plays Mum for Lambs