Dozens of newborn gators welcomed at the theme park

Orlando, Fl., (August 29, 2007) – Gatorland is pleased to announce the birth of dozens of American Alligator hatchlings to be added to the thousands of alligators already on display at the theme park.

American alligators typically breed in the spring.  By the end of June they will build a nest that could be up to ten-feet across and two to three feet high.  The mother alligator then deposits her eggs into the nest. An average nest may contain up to forty eggs which she will cover over and protect. The nest helps to keep the eggs at a cozy 90 degrees F.  This incubates the eggs.  Incidentally, the temperature of the incubation determines the sex of the alligators; however 90 degrees will give us a mixed batch of males and females. 

The mother alligator will guard the nest during the entire incubation period.  65 days later, end of august to the first week in September, the eggs hatch.  The baby alligators typically will not eat for the first few weeks of life; they are still living off the yolk that they lived on while still in the eggs.  Baby alligators are called “grunts,” due to the grunting sound that they make when they are in distress.  Mother alligator will guard the babies for about a year.  However despite her efforts, out of nest of 35 eggs only 2 or 3 will survive to maturity.

“Each of the young alligators measures approximately 6 inches in length and weighs about 3 ounces,” states the Dean of Gator Wrestling, Tim Williams.  “Under the right conditions alligators can grow about a foot a year for the first 3 to 4 years.  From here on the growth significantly slows down.  It is difficult to believe that one day this delicate, little reptile could one-day grow to be over 14 feet long and weigh a thousand pounds or more.”

For more information on this and other additions taking place at Gatorland, log on to www.gatorland.com.  The web site features a live Gator Cam located in the Alligator Breeding Marsh where you can see hundreds of alligators in their natural environment while reviewing the latest information available on many of the theme park’s residents.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, new Gator Gully Splash Park and much more.  One-of-A-Kind reptilian shows include the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.
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ORLANDO, FLA: (August 2, 2007) –Gwendolyn, an 11-foot Australian Saltwater Crocodile, will leave Gatorland today for the last time as the theme park transfers ownership of the crocodile to Gary Saurage and his team at the new attraction, Gator Country in Beaumont, Texas.  

Gwendolyn is an adult 11-foot, female Australian Saltwater Crocodile that has been on display at Gatorland for nine years.  One of the original crocodiles featured as part of the Jungle Crocs of the World Exhibit, Gwendolyn was part of a large Saltwater Crocodile breeding colony that produced numerous offspring over the past few years.   

The relocation of Gwendolyn, the Australian Saltwater Crocodile, is part of the theme park’s initiative to expand their efforts to rejuvenate the rare American Crocodile species.  The theme park is one of only a few locations throughout the United States to have an adult breeding colony.  Currently cohabiting with alligators in the 16-acre main lake at the theme park, the American Crocodiles will be moved to the exhibit area previously occupied by the Saltwater Crocodiles where they can have their own space to occupy.   

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, the new Gator Gully Splash Park and much more.  And don’t miss the one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo, the Up-close Encounters and the all new Critters Corner show featuring the softer side of Gatorland.  To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

Gator Country is located 10 miles west of Beaumont, Texas.  The attraction features a wide variety of animals including numerous species of crocodiles, huge alligators, alligator snapping turtles and much more. For more information on Gator Country, call (409) 794-WILD or visit www.gatorcountrytx.com.     .    
 

Orlando, Florida: Local author, Paula Stark, will make a special appearance at Gatorland to meet with guests and autograph her new book, Abraham the Alligator, next Friday, August 3, 2007. 

Known locally as the publisher of Florida Sun Publications, Stark is a long time resident of Osceola County where she has always played a very active role in bettering the community.  It was this commitment that helped to foster the idea of developing a series of books that would bring history to life in a fun and educational way.
WHEN: August 3, 2007
  10:30am - Noon

WHERE: Gatorland
  14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
  Orlando, Florida 32837

COST: Mention this event and receive $5.00 off of adult and/or child admission rates to Gatorland.  Offer only valid on August 3, 2007 and this offer may not be used in conjunction with any other coupon or discount.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, new Gator Gully Splash Park and much more.  One-of-A-Kind reptilian shows include the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

ORLANDO, FLA. (July 31, 2007): Due to an overwhelming response, the Swamp Season Pass Promotion has been extended at Gatorland!  From now until August 31, 2007 Florida residents can purchase a one-day admission ticket at regular rate and visit the “Alligator Capital of the World” on us for the rest of the year! 

This offer will not be extended again so visit Gatorland today and splash & play as often as you would like this year for FREE! 
Florida Resident-Swamp Season Pass
Adults - $22.95, plus tax
Children (3-12) - $14.95, plus tax
And the rest of the year is on us!
Offer Expires:  August 31, 2007
Proof of Residency Required, Per Pass Purchased

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, the new Gator Gully Splash Park and much more.  And don’t miss the one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo, the Up-close Encounters and the all new Critters Corner show featuring the softer side of Gatorland.
To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.