The Paragon Casino Resort, a tribal venue in Louisiana, is preparing to introduce two new alligators to its Bayou Atrium habitat. The new additions are both rare albino animals that will diversify the habitat and offer what officials called a “unique attraction.”
Alligators Are Protectors of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe
According to the announcement, the albino alligators are two alligator sisters that will be introduced to the Paragon Casino Resort’s Bayou Atrium this Saturday. The ceremony will take place at 4 pm on July 25 when the animals will enter the casino resort’s flagship habitat. Guests will get to see this happen live.
That’s not all, of course, as the event will also see casino representatives highlight Tunica-Biloxi Tribe culture via songs and stories tied to the tribe. For reference, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, which operates the Paragon Casino Resort, believes alligators to be sacred. According to the tribe’s origin myth, a Blue Alligator and a Red Alligator have always watched over the tribe, protecting its members from danger. These animal spirits are also believed to be tied to the changing of seasons and nature itself.
As a result, the introduction of the two rare alligators to the Bayou Atrium is not merely an attraction, but also a moment of cultural significance to the tribe. Many Native Americans believe that white alligators, in particular, are closely tied to the spiritual.
Marshall Ray Sampsons Sr., general manager of the Paragon Casino Resort, was very excited about welcoming the two albino alligators to the Bayou Atrium.
This ceremony gives us an opportunity to celebrate the alligator’s cultural significance to the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe while inviting our guests and community to experience something truly special.
Marshall Ray Sampsons Sr., general manager of the Paragon Casino Resort
Tribal Operators Are Growing Their Businesses
In other tribal gaming news, the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians just added a new smoke-free section to its flagship Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.
In the meantime, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe recently advanced its plans to grow its gaming business by developing a full-fledged casino resort in Leggett, Texas. The development will expand the tribe’s existing facility and ranks among the top hospitality projects in the region.
Elsewhere, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is pouring $140 million into a project that would expand and modernize the Pocola-based Choctaw Casino & Resort.
Finally, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation recently initiated a lawsuit seeking to halt Kansas Lottery operations on its land.