About Bellowing Acres
Our Mission
Bellowing Acres provides a forever home to rescued nuisance alligators that were destined for euthanasia by the state. Although we are an alligator sanctuary, we are also home to other rescued, neglected and surrendered exotic animals. None of our animals are able to be released into the wild for numerous reasons, either being born in captivity and legally not being able to be released, or being a wild animal that has a permanent injury that would not allow it to survive without human care. Through education and awareness, we teach people how to co-exist with wildlife, why wild animals do not make good pets, and why apex predators are so important.
Our History
Originally named Florida's Wildest Animal Rescue, Bellowing Acres was founded in 2021. Co-Founders Chris Gillette and Gabby Scampone have both been working with and rescuing animals for over 15 years. As the demand for help grew for sick reptiles and exotic animals, they created a nonprofit rescue to take in sick reptiles, birds and small mammals, get them healthy and find them responsible homes. In April 2023, the couple purchased their dream 40 acre property in North Florida and turned it into a wildlife sanctuary, offering a forever home and giving second chances to animals.
Why do alligators need rescuing?
With thousands of people moving to Florida each year, alligators are bound to end up in people's pools, yards, or become too used to people after being illegally fed. Once that alligator is reported to the state, it is labeled a nuisance alligator and a trapper is sent to remove the animal. Nuisance alligators in Florida must be either euthanized or kept in captivity for the remainder of it's life. By law, animals over 4 feet cannot be relocated or released back into the wild. With thousands of calls about nuisance alligators every year, there is a need for licensed and skilled facilities to be able to handle and house these animals. Our sanctuary works with a handful of trappers who send the alligators to live at the sanctuary, instead of killing them.