*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

Pet Amnesty Day Returns to Gatorland
May 19 in an effort to keep unwanted exotic pets out of Florida’s native ecosystems

Orlando, Fl.: Florida Wildlife Commission and Gatorland will host a Nonnative Pet Amnesty Day Saturday, May 19^th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gatorland in Orlando.  Species of Concern (nonnative reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and invertebrates) will be accepted.

If you have an exotic pet you can no longer care for, don’t just open the front door and set it free.  It’s illegal to release a nonnative animal into the wild in Florida, and it could be detrimental for the animal and the environment.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2012
10AM - 2PM
WHERE:  Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida 32837
*South Parking Lot Entrance
This Pet Amnesty Day is free and open to the public.  Exotic animals can be surrendered to the FWC free of charge with no questions asked and no penalties. Domestic pets including, but not limited to, dogs, cats and ferrets will not be accepted.

Nonnative pet amnesty events help to increase awareness of nonnative species problems.  Over 400 nonnative species have been observed in Florida, and more than 130 have reproducing populations. For more information on nonnative species in Florida, visit www.myFWC.com/nonnatives.

Anyone interested in adopting nonnative pets should download the proper adoption applications and animal care sheets at www.myFWC.com/nonnatives and click on “How to become an FWC exotic pet adopter.”  Adopters must have knowledge of natural history and caging requirements along with having proper facilities for the animals they are interested in adopting.

Gatorland is also slashing its admission prices for Florida Residents!  Starting on May 5 Gatorland is knocking $15.00 off adult admission rates; allowing a family of four to visit the theme park for less than $45!     Now through June 30, Florida Resident adults, children and seniors are just $9.99 plus tax with a valid id.

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, Gatorland 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 and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft. suspension bridge.

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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*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

Florida Residents Save Big at Gatorland

Keeping the admission rates low for families in Central Florida!

ORLANDO, FL.: Gatorland is once again slashing its admission prices for Florida Residents.  Starting on May 5 Gatorland will introduce a Florida Resident promotion that will knock $15.00 off adult admission rates; allowing a family of four to visit the theme park for less than $45!    

Summer Florida Resident Special

Adults - $9.99 per Person

Children (3-12) - $9.99 per Person

Seniors (55 yrs. and older) - $9.99 per person

Offer Valid:  May 5 -June 30, 2012

Proof of Residency Required, Per Adult.  All rates are plus tax.

  Florida residents will also be allowed to apply the cost of their admission towards the purchase of an annual pass with extended benefits that include 30% admission discounts for accompanying guests, 50% off the Adventure Hour, 20% off Rookie Wrestling Experience & in-park photography stations, 20% off Gift Shop purchases and 10% off food & beverages within the park.

    At these prices a family of four can visit Gatorland for about half the cost of ONE adult ticket at any of the larger area theme parks!

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, Gatorland 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 and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft. suspension bridge.

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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MEDIA ALERT

 Rate Increase Announced at Gatorland
General Admission increase to take effect December 1, 2011

ORLANDO, FL.:  Effective December 1, 2011 the admission rates at Gatorland will increase to $24.99 per adult and $16.99 per child, plus tax.

Get up close and personal with gators and crocs, birds and deer and so much more at the “Alligator Capital of the World.” Enjoy Gator Gully Splash Park where kids of all ages can play in truckloads of cool H2O and don’t miss the White Gator Swamp featuring four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet. 

 Looking for a discount on your admission tickets? Florida Residents can visit Gatorland for just $9.99 per person, plus tax now through January 9, 2012.  Proof of residency required per adult. 

   $9.99 Florida Resident Special

Adults - $9.99 per Person
Children (3-12) - $9.99 per Person
ALL Seniors (55+) - $9.99 per Person
Offer Valid through January 9, 2012

 Proof of Residency Required, Per Adult.  All rates are plus tax.
Florida residents will also be allowed to apply the cost of their admission towards the purchase of an annual pass with extended benefits that include 30% admission discounts for accompanying guests, 50% off the Adventure Hour, 20% off Rookie Wrestling Experience & in-park photography stations, 20% off Gift Shop purchases and 10% off food & beverages within the park.

At these prices a family of four, oh wait, make that a family of eight can visit Gatorland for less than the cost of one person at any of the larger area theme parks!

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, Gatorland 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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Rare white alligators celebrate their twenty-fourth birthday in style!

Orlando, Florida (October 11, 2011):  What’s on the menu for four, rare white alligators celebrating their birthday at Gatorland, “The Alligator Capital of the World?”  A turkey dog and chicken leg multi-tier cake of course! 

 The one-of-a-kind protein packed cake was hand created by the animal care department to celebrate the remarkable journey of their survival. Each of the three-tiered cakes weighed roughly forty-four pounds and included hundreds of turkey dogs and chicken legs; a nice snack for an 800 pound, alligator! 

It took less than a minute for each of the massive creatures to chomp down a big bite of their frozen treat before returning to the comfort of their private suite at the White Gator Swamp at the park.

The rare white alligator collection features 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 800 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. 

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 ‘pearls of nature’ 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.

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, Gatorland 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 and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft suspension bridge. 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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*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

 Gatorland Salutes Central Florida First Responders

With Complimentary Admission during the month of September

ORLANDO, FL.: During the month of September, Gatorland is extending complimentary admission to America’s heroes. We’re talking about our community’s “first responders,” the men and women who put their lives on the line every day and are always there to help when called to action.

  Central Florida Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Services, and 911 Dispatchers will receive complimentary admission at the theme park along with a discount of 25% off the general admission price for up to four additional guests. (Valid Departmental ID must be presented at time of purchase).  

 Upgrade your ticket today for $49.99, plus tax, and ride the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Your zip line adventure ticket includes all day admission to Gatorland.  It’s not just a ride; it’s an adventure that takes you on a breathtaking journey along 1,200 feet of high flying thrills from seven platforms designed to merge with Gatorland’s natural and scenic habitats.  At heights exceeding seven stories, guests fly at speeds near 30 miles per hour over many of the landmark attraction’s exhibits and entertainment venues. It’s one wild adventure! Flight times are available daily; reservations are required.  Booking your adventure is easy.  Log onto www.Gatorland.com, or call 800-393-JAWS to view zip-line requirements and purchase tickets.

Gatorland’s Salute to Service Campaign

Complimentary Admission to Central Florida Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Services, and 911 Dispatchers with a valid Departmental ID
25% discount on general park admission for up to Four (4) guests
Offer Valid September 6 – 30, 2011
Proof of employment required at time of admission.  All rates are plus tax.

*The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line is not included with general park admission. An admission upgrade is available that includes a 2 ½ hour Screamin’ Gator Zip Line experience plus all day admission to Gatorland.  For more information visit www.gatorland.com or call (407) 855-5496 extension 244. Advance reservations are required.

 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, Gatorland 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 and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft suspension bridge. 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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*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

Central Florida Teacher’s FREE at the “Alligator Capital of the World”

Orlando, Fl.: Gatorland would like to take this opportunity to thank Central Florida teachers for a job well done by extending complimentary admission to them and one guest, during the months of September and October, for giving there all each and every day to make education fun for the children in their classrooms.

 Florida public and private school teachers looking to explore Gatorland must present a school identification card and paystub, from one of the surrounding counties, at the time of admission. Complimentary admission will be extended to the teacher and one guest (adult or child) and may not be used in conjunction with fieldtrips or group outings scheduled at the attraction.

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, Gatorland 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 and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft. suspension bridge. 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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Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Gatorland Photo Contest announced this afternoon at the Alligator Capital of the World. 

The 2010 Photo Contest ran from March 1, 2010 through, August 2, 2010 and was open to photographers ages 18 and over and photographs submitted had to be taken at Gatorland by the entrant within the past two years. About 200 entries were received from across the country including Canada and the UK.

Submissions were judged in four categories and selected images will be featured in the theme parks collateral materials during the next twelve months.

Bird Category:

1st Place - Green Heron Nest Building by Jim Urbach
2nd Place - Heron Ripple by Paul Hennessey
3rd Place - Elegance GReat Egret by Kathy Urbach
Hon. Mention - LIttle Green Heron by Jack Rogers

Gators Category:

1st Place - Spring Reflection by Jack Rogers
2nd Place - Water Rippling by Ursala Dubrick
Hon. Mention - Bellowing by Susan Allshouse

Gatorland Category:

1st Place - Pretty in Blue by Susan Allshouse
2nd Place - Feather Soft by Terrri Wells

Amateur Category:

1st Place - Perfection by Brian Homenick
2nd Place - Snowly Egret Glow by Mirta Arriaga
3rd Place - Pink Reflection by Lori Barslow

First Place winners are shown below, view all of the top qualifiers images by clicking here! 

ORLANDO, Sept. 3, 2010 — Gatorland president Mark McHugh and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority public affairs director Carolyn Fennell have been named to the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was established by the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida to honor outstanding leaders for their service and commitment to the area’s hospitality industry.

The new inductees, who bring the Hall of Fame’s total to eight, were announced during a hospitality guest lectures class this morning at the Rosen College. 

McHugh is the president and chief executive officer of Gatorland, the Orlando home of the world’s largest collections of giant white leucistic alligators. Before joining Gatorland, McHugh spent 12 years as an animal trainer, curator, researcher and spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando, where he worked with dolphins, sea lions and killer whales.

He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from UCF, a master’s degree in Marine Science from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from Texas State University.

Today, McHugh volunteers on many industry and nonprofit boards throughout Central Florida, and he is dedicated to helping community leaders explore solutions to the region’s growth needs and achieve economic diversity.

Fennell oversees internal and external media relations and public and community activities at Orlando International Airport and the Orlando Executive Airport. An authority in crisis management and media relations, she has worked more than 20 years as a journalist and public relations professional.

Fennell was named the Orlando Business Journal’s 2010 Businesswoman of the Year, and she has received numerous awards and accolades for her professional and community involvement, as well as her activities in mentoring and encouraging youth and women to pursue successful endeavors.She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Florida A&M University, and she has studied at Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Board of Trustees of the Orlando Museum of Art and the Leadership Advisory Council of SKAL International Orlando.

Located in the heart of the tourism and hospitality industry, the Rosen College is dedicated to the values of professionalism, leadership and service. Its mission is to develop future generations of global hospitality and tourism leaders representing all industry segments in the hospitality capital of the world through innovative academic programs, cutting-edge research and strong industry and community partnerships.

Learn more at www.hospitality.ucf.edu.

Theme park opens Orlando’s Wildest Zip line

Orlando, Florida: (April 23, 2010) Gatorland is soaring to new heights in Central Florida
as the theme park opens the world’s first zip line to race above giant alligators and
crocodiles in the all new Eco Zip Line at Gatorland opening in the Fall 2010.

This one-of-a-kind ride takes you on a breathtaking journey along 1,200 feet of high
flying adventure from platforms designed to replicate the Breeding Marsh Tower.
At heights up to 56 feet, guests will fly at speeds near 30 miles per hour through the
park! An adrenaline rush guaranteed to bring out the true adventurer in everyone.

The Eco Zip Line at Gatorland will carry the brave riders along four intense zip lines,
ranging from 230 ft to more than 485 feet over some of the most exciting exhibits at
Orlando’s only theme park with “Bite & Attitude.” On just your second leg of the
journey, you’ll soar above the theme park’s collection of jumping Cuban Crocodiles.
What’s up next? A bird’s eye view of the Alligator Breeding Marsh featuring over one
hundred and fifty giant alligators watching your every move!

“We spent a tremendous amount of time designing this incredible experience that
combines the most modern safety features available in a zip line with the raw beauty
and excitement of Gatorland’s natural exhibits and majestic animals,” says Mark
McHugh, Gatorland’s president & CEO.

The 45 minute experience includes a brief orientation session, a nature walk through
the swamp, four breathtaking zips and an exciting swinging bridge for only $60, which
includes all day admission to the “Alligator Capital of the World.”

The construction of the Eco Zip Line is being managed by Global Expeditions, Inc.,
a privately owned company specializing in the development of exhilarating ecotourism
adventures for major corporations, the entertainment industry and organizations offering
unique experiences that create unbelievable memories.

To schedule an interview regarding the opening of the new attraction, please contact
Michelle Harris at michelleharris@gatorland.com or by phone at (407) 9485044.

Gatorland is a 110acre heme 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, Gatorland award-winning ift 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 Upclose 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 1800393JAWS.

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*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

Gatorland Salutes Emergency Medical Technicians
With Complimentary Admission during the week of May 16 - 22

ORLANDO, FL.: Gatorland is extending complimentary admission for Paramedics & Emergency Medical Technicians with a valid ID during the week of May 16 – 22, 2010 honoring their commitment to providing exceptional lifesaving medical assistance.

Emergency Medical personnel will receive complimentary admission at the theme park along with a souvenir water bottle and a discount of 25 percent off the price of admission for up to four additional guests. (Valid EMT-B or EMT-P must be presented at time of purchase).

Don’t miss the opening of the Mile of Monsters a brand new, one-of-a-kind self guided tour through the lair of some of the theme park’s most notorious reptiles including, Chester, the Terror from Tampa, and his distant cousin Mania from Miami, whose split personality can take him from mild to maniac in just seconds.

Salute to Service Campaign
Complimentary Admission to Emergency Medical personnel with valid Active ID
25% discount on admission for up to Four (4) guests
Offer Valid from May 16-22, 2010
Proof of employment required at time of admission.  All rates are plus tax.

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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