Pictured: The man who swims in a tank of man-eating alligators



These stunning pictures show a zoo employee getting up close and personal with a tank full of alligators.



Snorkeling alongside the nine-foot long predators, Sean Manning shows no fear and carries no protection during the Miami Jungle Island Zoo show in Florida.



Despite the danger Sean puts himself in, the man-eaters seem calm and unthreatened by his presence in their tank.



Nose to nose: Sean Manning and an alligator observe each other in the zoo tank

Just bobbing around: The predator seems relaxed in Sean's company

He said: ‘I gauge the gator and try to get a feel for its mood.



‘If it looks like it is going to go then I must decided to end that gator’s involvement in the display or unfortunately mine.



‘It’s a risk but I am not looking to go just yet.’

The show highlights the growing number of alligators in Florida and the effect humans are having on them in their natural environment.



A zoo spokesman said: ‘Sean is part of a show called Gator X-treme.



‘This aquatic adventure is the first time anyone in America has seen anything like this.



‘They have never seen this 250-million-year-old perfect killing machine, which has 80 razor sharp teeth, so close to another willing human being.’

Curious: The alligator peers at the camera while Sean swims in the background

Sean gauges the mood of the alligator to try and cut the risk factor of the show









