Lola, a 9‑foot alligator weighing close to 400 pounds, has been a beloved fixture at Miracle Hot Springs in Idaho for over 20 years. The geothermal waters keep the pool at a comfortable 85 °F, providing a perfect habitat for the long‑lived reptile.
Owner shares the story
Owner Kalem Olsen says the idea originated with his grandfather, who ran an alligator farm in the Hagerman area during the 1970s and 1980s. “My grandpa owned Miracle and knew about the alligator farms,” Olsen explained. “He thought, since we have the same geothermal water, we should build our own alligator pen.”
Lola was born in 2000 and moved to the hot‑spring pen in 2003. A small flow of warm water is directed into her enclosure year‑round, especially in winter, keeping the temperature steady and the alligator healthy.
Visiting Lola
Olsen welcomes visitors to see Lola during business hours. “She can be hard to spot, so don’t throw anything into the pen,” he advises, “but anyone can pull into the parking lot and take a look.”
Feeding day is a popular attraction. Maintenance manager Jeff Poulson, who calls himself Lola’s best friend, feeds her about once a week in summer and once a month in winter. “If I come in here, she knows she’s getting fed,” Poulson said, noting that Lola prefers chicken legs but will accept beef.
Health check
Earlier this summer a wildlife specialist from Utah examined Lola. Though slightly overweight, the expert gave her a clean bill of health and confirmed she could live well into her 90s in captivity. Olsen joked, “She’ll probably outlive me; I might even write her into my will.”
Miracle Hot Springs continues to draw tourists intrigued by the unique combination of natural geothermal waters and an unlikely resident. The site offers a chance to experience Idaho’s natural beauty while meeting a gentle, long‑standing animal neighbor.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
