4 Giant Leucistic alligators will join the thousands of alligators at the “Alligator Capital of the World” February 2009

Three hundred and twenty-eight razor sharp teeth; over forty feet in length and you can only see them up-close at Gatorland as the theme park introduces the opening of the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators on February 13, 2009.

On display for a limited engagement, the rare white alligator collection will feature four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet. Ivory in color, the large reptiles are each ten to eleven plus feet in length, weigh over 500 pounds and have reflective blue eyes that are believed to have the ability to command good fortune to those lucky enough to make eye contact with the blue eyed beauties.

Located along the main walkway, the cleverly designed 2,500 square foot exhibit will allow guests the opportunity to view these amazing reptiles from just a few feet away. The swamp themed exhibit features rustic cypress walkways, glass viewing and softly lit enclosures that help to protect the massive reptiles from direct sunlight while highlighting the unique features of the alligators.

No one knows why Mother Nature produced only one nest of these incredible white alligators. Vulnerable to many predators, because of the lack of skin pigmentation depriving them of natural camouflage; they likely would have never survived in the wild. Collected from deep in a Louisiana swamp, the ivory reptiles were part of a clutch of seventeen infants recovered by workers from the Louisiana Land and Exploration Company while surveying the area. The group later brought the hatchlings to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans where only a few of the rare reptiles survived.

“People are awestruck when they see them, and just one look into those icy, blue eyes will give you chills,” says Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “We’re excited to bring these thrilling animals to Florida.”

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.

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Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland, was recently selected as the recipient of the 23rd Annual Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Central Florida Gene T. Hassett Award in recognition of dedicated service to the growth and prosperity of the Central Florida hospitality industry.

The Gene T. Hassett Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen fields and have devoted time and energy to their communities.

McHugh took over the reins at Gatorland in 1996 and has since introduced over 32 new attractions and exhibits. at Orlando’s only attraction with bite and attitude. They range from free-flying lorikeets, animal encounters, Gator Gully Splash Park and the world’s largest White Alligator Exhibit opening in February 2009. The shows are typical Mark McHugh projects: exciting, entertaining, and unprecedented.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, McHugh is an active member of the community having volunteered to serve on a number of boards and spearheading many community initiatives such as his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, executive committee member of myregion.org, chairman of the Florida Attractions Association, Board of Directors for the Osceola County Foundation for Education, and Relay for Life Champion.

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, award-winning gift shops, 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.

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The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Orlando CVB) along with hundreds of tourism industry leaders gathered on Thursday, December 11 for the 25th Annual Meeting of the Orlando CVB. Outgoing Orlando CVB Board Chair and Gatorland President, Mark McHugh, was honored with more than 500 toys that were donated by the tourism industry in his honor. Those toys are being donated to the XL 106.7 Baby DJ Fund. Mark McHugh served a three year term as Chair of the Orlando CVB and has been involved in the XL 106.7 Baby DJ Fund for a number of years.

The Orlando CVB conducted the toy drive and revealed its 2009 Marketing Campaign “Orlando Makes Me Smile.” The hope is that the toys donated on Mark’s behalf will make the children of Orlando smile this Christmas.