Gomek the World Famous giant Salt Water Crocodile at St. Augustine Alligator Farm.

Gomek (1927 – March 6, 1997) was a remarkable saltwater crocodile that gained fame and captured the hearts of many. His journey began when he was captured by George Craig in Papua New Guinea and subsequently purchased by Terri and Arthur Jones in 1985. Gomek was then transported to Ocala, Florida, where he spent five years before finding his new home at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida.

During his time at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Gomek became renowned for his impressive nutria-tossing abilities and his remarkable tolerance of people. Visitors to the park were astounded by the fact that they could get as close as one meter to this enormous creature without any fear of attack, an act that would typically be considered suicidal. Although feeders still used long tongs to feed Gomek, he was generally regarded as a “tame” beast and quickly became a favorite of both the staff at the Alligator Farm and people from across the nation.

Gomek’s size and gentle demeanor were truly extraordinary. In 1989, at the age of 62, he measured an impressive 5.42 meters (17 feet 9 inches) in length and weighed a staggering 860 kilograms (1,896 pounds), as confirmed by the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. He was one of the largest and most docile captive crocodiles in existence, capturing the attention and admiration of many visitors.

However, as time passed, Gomek’s old age began to take its toll, and on March 6, 1997, he sadly passed away due to heart disease. His departure marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for years to come. Gomek’s enclosure became a site of tribute, honoring his memory and the extraordinary creature he was.

The enclosure, which now houses his successors Maximo and his mate Sydney, serves as a reminder of Gomek’s significant impact on both the Alligator Farm and the people who had the privilege of knowing him. While Gomek may be gone, his spirit lives on through the stories and memories shared by those fortunate enough to have witnessed his majestic presence.

Gomek was a truly remarkable saltwater crocodile whose captivating story captured the hearts of many. His size, gentle nature, and incredible tolerance of people made him a beloved resident of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. Although he has passed away, Gomek’s memory lives on, symbolized by the tribute near his enclosure and the presence of his successors. His legacy serves as a reminder of the remarkable creatures that inhabit our world and the need to protect and appreciate them.

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