The Areias do Embaú guesthouse, located in Enseada da Pinheira, Palos, innovated by introducing its pet mascot and adopting an alligator that lived nearby. The animal, which is also part of the hotel’s theme, has even been given a name: Leopoldo.

Pousada da Grande Florianópolis innovates its pet mascot and “adopts” an alligator – Photo: @pousadaareiasdoembau/Instagram/Reproduction/ND

The hotel is surrounded by wetlands and mangroves that connect to the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park, an integrated nature reserve, so animals often appear there, according to owner Eduardo Luis Bittencourt.

“We were always visited by different animals: capybaras, lizards, rats, several types of birds, fish and finally alligators,” says Bittencourt.

The alligator is not part of the property, but has been “adopted” by employees as a mascot. “In other cases, because we didn’t know the behavior of these animals well, we put a fence around the lake. Over time, we began to realize that they pose no threat, and as a result they became more afraid of us than we were of them,” he explains.

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Posted by Pousada Areias do Embaú (@pousadaareiasdoembau)

The hotel even has a memorial plaque dedicated to the animal. “Anyone visiting here is advised not to enter the lake and parents are also advised not to allow children to be alone in the area. I don’t believe there is any real risk, it’s just for prevention,” he says.

Although they attract tourists, they are a “terror” to the ducklings that live in the area. “I’ve never heard of reports of attacks on people, now about ducklings, they’re not so lucky,” jokes the owner.

“Then one or two ducklings appear there too. After all, alligators need to eat too, right? And the menu of these animals includes birds, fish, and rodents,” says Eduardo.

Ducks are the main attraction for alligators. Photo: @pousadaareiasdoembau/Instagram/Reproduction/ND

The hotel is known for its tranquility and unique experience with nature. “They are wild animals, we must respect their space,” he concludes.

Yellow-faced caiman

These wild animals, well known to the inhabitants of Greater Florianópolis, are a characteristic species and symbol of the Atlantic Forest, an ecosystem that dominates much of the landscape of the capital of Santa Catarina.

Yellow-faced caimans are found in the mangroves of Florianópolis. Photo: Flavio Tin/ND.

The greatest occurrence of alligators in the area is due to, among other things, a lack of natural predators and increased food supplies.

According to Floram (Municipal Environmental Foundation of Florianópolis), alligators can often be seen in the streams and mangroves of Florianópolis, as this is their natural habitat, the agency explains.

The animal was spotted in Corrego Grande in the capital – Photo: PMF/Divulgação/ND

According to the ministry, it is recommended that the public keep their distance and not feed wild animals such as alligators and capybaras. If you find these animals outside their natural habitat or in an area at risk, you should contact environmental authorities, such as the Environmental Police.

The reptile’s presence also led to the installation of an animal warning sign at Ponta das Canas beach in the north of the island.