The incredible photographs show the three alligators crowding around the man’s head as they look directly at the camera and one even appears to sit on his lap whilst another reptile places a claw on his arm as it swims towards the surface. Photographs taken from above the surface show animal handler, Chris Gillette (29) from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA holding an alligator out of the water. The images of Chris were taken by Michael Dornellas at the Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue, Florida USA. “People think of alligators as mindless killers but if you understand their behaviour it is possible to handle them in surprising ways, I wanted to show how calm and gentle these amazing creatures can be”, said Chris. According to The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are an estimated 1.3 million alligators living in the state. Chris first started handling animals at the age of 15 and says that he has a passion for showing the friendlier side of creatures that are often perceived as dangerous. Here: Mich­ael Dornellas took the snaps at the Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)





One of the reptiles appears to sit on Chris’ lap. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)





In another, one passes his claw over Chris’ chest. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)





He brings the beast up close and personal to the camera. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)





One of them bobs above the surface. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)





One passes his claw over Chris’ chest. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)





Chris Gillette happily let the 200lb creatures swim around his head. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)





An alligator perches on Chris’ shoulder. (Photo by Chris Gillette and Michael Dornellas/Mediadrumworld.com)