TAMPA, Fla. — Tending and feeding the many reptiles that live at Croc Encounters in Tampa is how an average morning starts for owners John and Karina Paner, who started the sanctuary back in 2005, building it up from a vacant lot.

“Basically, we wanted a place for unwanted alligators, but it grew from there," Paner said. "Starting out with just a few animals, but over the years we’ve taken more and more rescues."

While their journey at Croc Encounters started in 2005, it wasn’t until three years later in 2008 that they were able to open their space up for public tours. Then in 2015, they officially opened their nonprofit sanctuary.

It is a dream that the couple finally saw come to fruition after years of hand work. Now they have more than 250 different animals on the property and what started as many a spot dedicated to crocodiles has expanded to many reptiles. 

Their facility currently spans 15 acres, but with their growing numbers they’re looking to expand in the coming year. They say the extra space would allow them to take in more rescues and open up the sanctuary up so more f the public canecome explore their world — one where guests can get up close to alligators and tons of other animals. 

The Paners say it's their mission to not just entertain those who come through their doors, but to educate the public on the importance of conservation. 

“So when people come through we get to educate people on all the alligators and wild animals that live around the world and really show them and get the message across that they’re not quite as scary or dangerous as people might think,” Paner said. 

Croc Encounters offers by-appointment-only tours of the property of up to two hours seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information on the sanctuary or to book a tour, visit the Croc Encounters website.