Ronald "Alligator Ron" Bergeron Senior (born June 11, 1943) is an American conservationist, businessman, and philanthropist. He is best known for his activism surrounding the protection of the Florida Everglades. He is the namesake of the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, Florida.
At a young age, Bergeron’s grandfather took him on an airboat ride in the Everglades for the first time, and taught him to wrestle alligators, which he credits with sparking his love for the outdoors and Florida wildlife conservation.[1]
At age eighteen, Bergeron left home with two hundred and thirty five dollars in his pocket.[2] A year later, he began to compete professionally in rodeo, which he would continue for the next twenty years.[3]
Businesses
In 1965, Bergeron created his first business, Bergeron Land Development. In the next few years, the business would grow to over one hundred and fifty employees.[3] Today, the company has one hundred and ninety employees.[4]
In 2006, Bergeron suffered an injury to his hand after attempting to wrestle an alligator for the entertainment of guests visiting his nature preserve. The alligator rolled into to nearby water with Bergeron in tow where the two struggled before the guests helped to free him.[9]
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