Max Roberts

This October, P.E.A.C.E. will offer UT students a chance to get wild somewhere besides Ybor with a trip to Tampa’s Croc Encounters.

The trip is a chance for students to earn volunteer hours in an exhilarating way.

Open since 2006, Croc Encounters provides 22 acres of natural wetlands and a home to alligators, crocodiles, native birds, lizards, turtles, snakes and other critters.

As a non-profit organization, Croc Encounters relies solely on donations for funding, and is free to schools with the purpose of further educating students about Florida’s native species.

They also rescue alligators and crocodiles to give them a second chance at life. Amos, a 10-foot-long gator, is one of many unwanted pets given a new home in the Croc Encounters wetlands.

Croc Encounters also offers eco-tours, hands-on exhibits, educational shows and breathtaking scenery.

Lucy Monette is the volunteer P.E.A.C.E. coordinator planning the event, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13. She does not know what to fully expect from Croc Encounters exhibits.

“I’ve never been to anything like this before, so I’m interested in seeing everything there,” she said. “It’ll be a great adventure.”

Croc Encounters also offers volunteer opportunities for students looking for a fun way to earn service hours.

The event is free to any UT student who wishes to attend, but space is limited. For more information on the Croc Encounters trip, stop by VC 206.