Taking Flight at Gatorland
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Taking Flight at Gatorland
Thousands of birds flock back to the theme park to nest and raise their young amongst the alligators
Orlando, Florida – (February 23, 2010): The Alligator Breeding Marsh & Bird Rookery is in full swing this month as thousands of birds flock back to Gatorland to nest for the opening of Birding Season.
The park had just two nests of wading birds when it opened the alligator marsh in 1991. Today, that number has soared to the thousands, 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,” points out Mark McHugh, Gatorland’s President & CEO.
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 Birding Season at Gatorland, which runs from February through July. Numerous packages and promotions are now available for photographers at any level including a “Dawn to Dusk” birding pass, 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.
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 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. And, don’t miss the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp. 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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