Christen Wall, a 29-year-old alligator farmer from Louisiana, is at the forefront of a unique intersection between agriculture and conservation. As a third-generation farmer, Wall is not only committed to her family’s legacy but is also actively involved in promoting understanding of the alligator farming industry. Her role involves everything from harvesting alligator eggs to attending high-profile events like Milan Fashion Week, showcasing the dynamic nature of her work.
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Her typical day begins at the crack of dawn, starting around 3 a.m. when she embarks on the essential task of collecting eggs from nests located in the swamps surrounding her farm. After an hour’s drive to a boat launch, she sets out on her airboat, navigating through the waters to reach the first location just as the sun rises. Once she returns to the family farm, the freshly collected eggs are placed in incubators, marking a crucial step in the alligator farming process.
The nature of Wall’s work varies significantly based on the time of year. Apart from her role on the farm, she also engages in meetings with potential buyers, notably during prestigious events like Milan Fashion Week. In quieter months, she manages administrative tasks such as responding to emails and handling paperwork. Wall appreciates the variety that comes with her responsibilities, noting, “It is always different and keeps me on my toes.”
Having grown up immersed in the world of alligators, Wall initially entertained thoughts of moving to New York City to escape her rural upbringing. However, her participation in agricultural education and the National FFA Organization helped cultivate her passion for farming. As the first person in her family to graduate from college, she earned a degree in agricultural business from Louisiana State University and embraced her role as a part-owner of the family’s alligator farm.
Life as an alligator farmer is not without its dangers. In an incident during July 2019, Wall and her father faced a frightening encounter while collecting eggs just before Hurricane Barry made landfall. As water levels rose, they aimed to gather as many eggs as possible. After successfully navigating numerous nests, they unexpectedly came across a mother alligator guarding her eggs. Although they initially kept a safe distance, the mother alligator attacked, resulting in an injury to Wall’s leg.
This experience prompted Wall to adopt more cautious approaches while working with alligators, ensuring that safety measures were in place, including more stringent rules about when and how to approach nests. “At the end of the day, they are apex predators,” she remarked, underscoring the respect necessary to safely coexist with these formidable creatures.
Just two years later, Hurricane Ida posed another serious challenge. The storm significantly impacted Wall’s family farm, leading to widespread damage yet miraculously sparing lives. Despite the destruction, Wall and her family focused on caring for their animals, their responsibilities leaving no room for pauses even during such crises. “Farmers don’t stop working during disasters or holidays,” Wall explained, reflecting the unwavering commitment inherent in their line of work.
Wall believes strongly in the conservation aspect of alligator farming, a viewpoint that can sometimes be misunderstood by the public. While some people may associate alligator farming solely with luxury leather goods, Wall emphasises the importance of the industry to environmental efforts. According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, approximately 5% to 10% of farm-raised juvenile alligators are returned to the wild, thereby contributing to conservation efforts in the area.
Beyond her farming duties, Wall has also taken to social media to promote awareness of alligator farming and its environmental impact. Initially hesitant to share her experiences, she has seen an overwhelmingly positive response after showcasing her life and work on platforms like TikTok. With a following of over 37,000, her videos have shed light on both the peculiarities of working with alligators and the ongoing conservation efforts in Louisiana.
Among the intriguing residents of her farm is Zak and Wheezie, a two-headed alligator that has captivated her audience. Wall’s commitment to these animals extends to ensuring their health and wellbeing, collaborating with veterinarians to provide tailored care. Her online presence not only highlights the uniqueness of her profession but also aims to bridge the gap between consumers and the realities of farming.
In Wall’s words, her mission is to demonstrate that real people are behind the alligator farming industry, individuals who have dedicated their lives to caring for these creatures. She hopes to further awareness and understanding of both alligator farming and the critical conservation work taking place in Louisiana, emphasising that agriculture can coexist harmoniously with environmental preservation.