FEATURED E-TEAM MEMBER: ROB RANLY, GATOR WRESTLER
JOINED THE E-TEAM: MAY, 15th 2008
AGE: 37
EDUCATION: SERVED IN THE MARINE CORPS, NOW THERE’S AN EDUCATION
INTERVIEW
You came to us after working for Sea World! What made you come to Gatorland?
I had a great time working for Sea World and I worked with many different kinds of animals, but I really wanted a chance to work with large reptiles and venomous snakes.
When you decided to audition for Gatorland Entertainment did you know you would have to become a gator wrestler?
No, I wanted to work in an animal park again with a new variety of animals. I am kind of an outgoing guy and I like people, so being back in a theme park atmosphere really excited me. For a little while I worked in retail and that just wasn’t me. I’m back!!!
It is challenging to learn to wrestle alligators, but it has to be fun too. Tell me about what makes it fun and keeps you excited.
Every day is different. The gators are all different with different personalities. Let me explain, I can have an easy going gator to wrestle or one that is just CRAZY. Believe me the crazy ones keep you on your toes. I also like the different reactions I get from each crowd. Our guest, come from all over the world and they react differently. So, I guess I like challenges and being in the moment with the guest and the animals. That is what makes it fun.
What is your favorite alligator at Gatorland and why?
Tonja…that is the gator I would call my favorite. She is one of the nastiest gators in the wrestling arena. She really challenged me during gator wrestling training. On my graduation day as a gator wrestler she was the last gator I wrestled. I had to wrestle every gator in the arena to graduate…that was 10 gators in two hours. I was exhausted but I did it!
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
I would go to Yellow Stone National Park and study wolves and their behaviors. I have a real passion for wolves, I don’t know why, they are just cool and well, I guess that is next adventure for me and on my personal bucket list.
What made you interested in alligators/reptiles?
I want to be a veterinarian that works with exotic animals. I am currently studying to be a veterinarian while I am working here at Gatorland. It is all a part of my personal journey, some people like sports or the arts but I like animals.
What kind of pets do you have at home? Why those pets?
I have a dog named Bell. I work all day long with wild animals so I go home to my dog. Gators and reptiles aren’t quite as cute and cuddly as Bell.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I like building things, working in the yard, sports and spending time with my son. I have a busy life.
Do you have any special talents?
I guess that depends on what you call talent. I am outgoing and friendly and really good with people. Is that a talent? Oh, and I can hold my breath for a really long time, LOL.
What was your last job?
I worked for Lowes as a manager. Before that I worked with various types of animals at Sea World cleaning, training and husbandries. You name it I did it.
If there was one thing you would like for our guests to know about you, what would that be?
I am the guy to chat with if you come here. People are interesting to me so I want to get to know them. Just come up to me and spend a little time. I am sure we will find something to talk about.
What is the hardest part of your job as a Gatorland Entertainer?
The constant change we have daily. All of the entertainers have to perform the shows, clean and care for the alligators, crocodiles and snakes under our care, repair and build anything that deals with our areas, drive the train…wow, I’m tired just talking about it. SO CHANGE is the thing that really makes it hard, but I can say that it’s never boring.