Alligator Farm Turns Out Prized Skins for Purses

Saved from the brink of extinction, the American alligator now thrives in its native habitat: the swamps and wetlands of the southeastern United States. (Courtesy Mark Glass)

Alligator hatchlings are generally between 15 and 20 centimeters long. (Courtesy Mark Glass)

This newly-hatched alligator is one of 100,000 on Mark Glass' farm and will eventually be slaughtered for its skin and meat. (VOA/P. Graitcer)

Alligator eggs are incubated in plastic trays at Mark Glass' alligator farm. (VOA/P. Graitcer)

Alligators begin hatching from their leathery eggs in late summer. (VOA/P. Graitcer)

زن مهاجر، کالیفرنیا 1936

A newly hatched alligator. (Courtesy Mark Glass)

Alligator skins are prepared for market, to be used in handbags, watch bands and shoes (Courtesy Mark Glass)

The choicest cuts of alligator meat come from the tail. (Courtesy Mark Glass)

Alligator meat is lower in cholesterol than domestic chicken and is a popular ingredient in Cajun recipes (Courtesy Mark Glass)

This Birkin bag by Hermes is made from one of Mark Glass’ alligators and sells for $100,000 (Courtesy Mark Glass)