‘Grandaddy’ of Florida Tourism Looks Ahead
‘Granddaddy’ of Florida Tourism Looks Ahead
Gatorland celebrates 60th Anniversary with remarkable new exhibits and entertainment
Orlando, Fl., (May 29, 2008) - Gatorland launches its 60th anniversary celebration with remarkable, new exhibits and activities based on the company’s core strengths and commitment to education, entertainment and customer service.
“Visitors get a rare look at one of the earth’s most fascinating predators,” says Mark McHugh, president & chief executive officer of Gatorland. “At the same time, Gatorland is one of the few theme parks where tourists can enjoy a stroll through the Florida wilderness much as it existed thousands of years ago.”
Founded in 1949, Gatorland is an original Florida attraction. Here is a glimpse of the new and exotic shows and exhibited opening at the “Alligator Capital of the World.”
Premiere
A leaner, meaner Gator Jumparoo Show will premiere this summer. The stars are 60 powerful and young jumping alligators, who have been training for their shot in the spotlight for several years.
The Gator Jumparoo Show, seen on television programs worldwide, features gators leaping out of the water in a “feeding frenzy” to snatch their lunch: a raw chicken of the store-bought variety hovering just a feet above the water. Spectators marvel as hungry gators launch into action; 3,000 lb. per square inch of jaw pressure snapping shut; lunch is finished with one loud “Chomp!”
The Gator Jumparoo Show has captivated audiences at Gatorland since 1983 when the show first debuted. Millions of jumps (and chickens) later and show is still a crowd favorite! The Gator Jumparoo Show features a 360-degree viewing area, two interactive animal platforms and more hand feedings than ever before.
Wrangle With the Experts
Need to add a little excitement to your day? Check out the Trainer-for-the-day and Keeper-for-a-day programs now available at Gatorland.
The popular Trainer-for-the-day program offers you the chance to get up-close and personal with some of the orneriest critters you’ll ever meet, and that’s before you get into the animal enclosures! Your day will include intensive safety training, animal encounters, a certificate of participation and an opportunity to interact. This program is an all out experience of a lifetime. This up-close interaction includes a chance to learn all about crocodilians and an opportunity to test your skills at croc wrangling! Experience may range from moving large alligators and crocodiles to assisting a reptile trainer in daily activities.
“Many zoological facilities around the world do not allow their employees or guests enter alligator/crocodile enclosures because of the significant danger involved with working with these animals,” states McHugh. “That’s not the rule here at Gatorland. We want our guests to leave wanting more so we make it our job to get each guest as close as we possibly can while exceeding our overall safety procedures.”
The new Keeper-for-a-day program offers guests an interactive experience of a different sort. Go behind-the-scenes at Gatorland for a crash course in working with animals of all sorts. Participants spend the day with a zoo keeper, carrying out some of the everyday jobs that need completed to ensure the health and welfare of the hundreds of different animals on property.
You will also learn some of the training techniques featured at Gatorland, work in and around a wide variety of native Florida wildlife, prepare food and enrichment activities, and of course, feeding and meeting some of our animals.
Up, Up and Away
Nearby in the Alligator Breeding Marsh & Bird Sanctuary, thousands of birds flock back to nest this month at Gatorland.
The park had two nests of wading birds when it opened the alligator marsh in 1991. Today, that number has soared to more than 5,000, making Gatorland home to the largest colony of wading birds in Central Florida.
“This is a spectacular way to watch wild birds building nests and raising their young from distances of just a few feet,” McHugh points out.
This year, several rare species including the roseatte spoonbills, wood storks and the limpkin have been spotted along with green heron, tri-colored heron, little blue heron, cattle egret, great egret, cormorant, osprey, anhinga and numerous others species raising their young at Gatorland.
Ironically, the birds are known to flourish in the natural environment of the ten-acre breeding marsh. Alligators protect the nests from predators, such as raccoons, foxes and opossums. It is not unusual to see a great egret enjoying a free ride perched on the back of an alligator.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience nature at its best during our Birding Season, which runs from January through August. Numerous packages and promotions are now available for photographers at any level including a “Dawn to Dusk” pass programs, photographer workshops and pass programs, guided tours and group education sessions. For more information, please contact the Group Sales Department at (407) 855-5496 extension 226.
Fiercely Devoted
Alligators, not only protect birds, they also make tender and caring mothers. Take the way a momma gator guards her nest to the death or the way she will carries her newborn babies to the water inside her gentle jaws.
Visitors to Gatorland can witness the giant reptile’s surprising maternal side at the park’s hatchery exhibit. The 500 square foot exhibit will house one mother and her young. The display will replicate the natural environment hatchlings need to thrive, while enabling spectators to view momma and her young - safely - from a distance of just a couple of feet.
“Babies are known to sit on the momma gators back and head,” McHugh says. “This is something you just can’t see in the wild.”
Classroom Under the Sky
Gatorland is a 110-acre classroom with its newly expanded education center and programs for adults and kids of all ages. Take to the field for classes on Wading Birds, Crocodilians, Snakes and the Florida Swamplands or head to the state-of-the-art meeting facility overlooking the main lake.
“Alligators are one of the things that people love to hate,” McHugh explains. “We love them and offer a different perspective.”
Whether you are learning about reptilian behavior or studying the variety of Wading Birds that reside at Gatorland, this open-air classroom has something for everyone. Explore the tranquil Swamp Walk, where students are encouraged to let their imagination roam as they observe wildlife from the wooden walkway that cuts through the dense nature preserve. The peacefulness of this pristine environment allows you to appreciate the diversity of the Florida ecosystem in an area that features a 500-year-old Cypress tree and a marsh that serves as the headwaters to the Everglades.
Meetings in the Swamp
Looking for a unique space for your next meeting or event? The new, state-of-the-art Meeting Rooms offers roughly 700 square feet of functional flex space featuring state-of-the-art audio/visual support, a large balcony over looking the main alligator lake, natural lighting, adjoining kitchen prep area, and a warm Florida décor that compliments the rich history of the theme park.
Conveniently located on the second floor of the all new Gatorland Gift Shop and Executive Complex, accessible by elevator, the spacious conference area can comfortably accommodate gatherings of 10 to 75 people with a variety of unique seating plans available. Easily accessible from inside or outside the park, this is the perfect space for your next Board meeting, Sales meeting, private meal or retreat.
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, a gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including 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.