Tess O'Malley- American Alligator Earrings

These ceramic earrings are made of 3 separate charms to represent an alligator surfacing on the water. The colors are more imaginative rather than realistic because my fascination with these apex predators began when I started to have recurring dreams of them a few years ago. Since then, I’ve always held a certain level of respect for a species that has remained relatively unchanged over millions of years. 

Sales of this unique wearable artwork will benefit Bellowing Acres, an alligator and exotic animal sanctuary in Florida.

Bellowing Acres is a safe haven for alligators that would’ve otherwise been unjustly euthanized. With the state population of Florida growing exponentially every day, the expedited land development displaces alligators closer to human-inhabited areas.

Alligators are opportunistic hunters; when ignorant people feed alligators or bring their kids/pets near the water, an alligator will instinctively pursue easy pickings. Even if an alligator is simply basking in the sun and a person feels threatened enough to call the police, the authorities are legally required to euthanize the animal - unless a trapper is available to bring the animal to a rescue. This dynamic unfortunately results in eight thousand alligators getting destroyed by the state annually. 

Chris & Gabby work to educate the public every single day about co-existing with these apex predators, and they ensure every alligator at Bellowing Acres has a spacious, fully natural enclosure to assist in maximizing their quality of life in captivity. Visit https://bellowingacres.org/ to learn more about protecting alligators!

PLEASE NOTE: Each piece is individually sculpted and glazed, no two charms are identical - even within the same pair of earrings. As there are 4 pairs of earrings available, you will receive a pair of earrings at random if you choose to purchase.

3.75 x 0.4 x 0.2 inches

50% of the proceeds of this piece will be donated to Bellowing Acres to support their conservation efforts. To learn more about their work please visit https://bellowingacres.org/

To see more of Tess's work be sure to follow on Instagram @artesstry