The Sights & Sounds of Progress
Construction begins at Gatorland on the 19,000 square foot Complex

Orlando, Florida: (October 24, 2007): As the sun rose on October 15, 2007 construction began on the gift shop and admissions complex located at the site of the devastating fire that took place at Gatorland on November 6, 2006, destroying the original gift shop and theme park entrance.

Overseen by D & D Construction, the first stage of the $4 million dollar project will focus on removing a section of the original concrete slab to allow for rough plumbing to be installed. Next the crew of up to 35 skilled laborers and heavy equipment operators will work to complete the foundation and conclude the block work on the 4,000 sq. ft. retail area.

As construction began on Monday, it quickly became apparent to Dan Baumer, Superintendent for D&D Construction, that this project would be like no other he had worked on before. As his team of concrete saw operators began cutting through the aging concrete an eerie sound began to rumble behind the men as dozens of alligators had mistaken the vibration as an invitation to bellow and splash around. “That was definitely a first for me and the guys,” said Baumer. “What a unique way to keep everyone motivated.”

“We are trying to stick to a very tight timeline,” states Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “Our goal is to have the new Complex opened by next summer when we begin celebrating the 60th Anniversary for the “Alligator Capital of the World”.

Founded in 1985, D&D Construction is a full-service general contracting firm specializing in theme parks and the hotel industry. The company, whose motto is “Building Together, Building Better,” provides a range of services including pre-construction, construction management, general contracting, or development needs. The company handles all aspects of property construction from project costing, planning, design-build, construction management, and property development. D&D Construction’s work can be found throughout Central Florida, as well as in the Florida Keys and Alabama.

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, 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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CONTACT: Michelle Harris
407-855-5496 Ext. 242
407-948-5044
October 1, 2007

* MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *
Time to get Crackin’ at Gatorland
As the theme park celebrates the Ground Breaking of the new Gift Shop & Admissions Complex

Orlando, Florida: (October 1, 2007): On Monday, October 8, 2007 members of the legendary Godwin family will take part in a ground breaking ceremony marking the beginning of a new era as the theme park celebrates the construction of a new $4 million dollar Complex to be located at the site of the devastating fire that took place on November 6, 2006 destroying the original gift shop and theme park entrance.

WHEN: Monday, October 8, 2007 at 8:15 AM
WHERE: Gator’s Mouth Entrance
Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, Florida 32837

The Complex will feature over 19,000 square feet of retail, meeting and office space along with an open-air admissions pavilion that incorporates the historic gator mouth entrance, state-of-the-art meeting facility and classroom, and a cleverly designed shopping area featuring unique gifts ideas and a pictorial timeline outlining the rich history of the theme park. Plans for the new structure will be on display at the event.

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, 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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CONTACT: Michelle Harris
407-855-5496 Ext. 242
michelleharris@gatorland.com

August 29, 2007

Gatorland Wins Best Attraction

Florida Monthly Best of Florida Awards Program

Orlando, Fl., (August 29, 2007) – Congratulations to the staff at Gatorland for winning, third time, the Best Attraction Award as part of the Best of Florida Awards program presented annually by Florida Monthly Magazine.

About twelve years ago Florida Monthly decided to ask their readers to vote for their favorite “everything Florida”. The program has continued to grow over the years with over 5 million votes being cast this year in support of the companies and products in a wide range of industry segments.

The Best of Florida Awards program in featured in the September issue of Florida Monthly, now available at local book stores and retail outlets. For more information on the program visit www.floridamagazine.com or contact Florida Monthly Magazine’s Publisher, Doug Cifers, directly at (407) 816-9596.

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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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.

Orlando, Fl., (July 5, 2007) – Gatorland is pleased to announce the birth of twelve Nile Crocodiles that hatched yesterday as the theme park celebrated Independence Day.

The births come as no surprise as the grunts mother, known to park staff as “Mom” and her partner “Sultan”, the largest Nile crocodile at Gatorland, have a long standing breeding relationship that has resulted in numerous offspring over the years.

Female Nile Crocodiles typically dig a hole and bury their eggs in the sand.  An Egg Collecting Team at Gatorland then removes the eggs for incubation in a safe environment where staff members can track and record data on each stage of the roughly three month development period.

Each of the young crocodiles measures approximately 10 centimeters in length and weighs about 2 oz.  “Nile crocodiles are an amazing species,” states Babs Morrissiey, the park’s General Curator.  “Nile Crocodiles typically mate once a year and at Gatorland we are happy to have one of the few breeding colonies within the United States.”

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.

General Admission increase to take affect July 1, 2007

ORLANDO, FL.:   Effective July 1, 2007 the admission rates at Gatorland will increase to $22.95 per adult and $14.95 per child, including admission to the theme park’s new water play area, Gator Gully Splash Park.

Get up close and personal with gators and crocs, birds and bears and much more at the “Alligator Capital of the World”. Enjoy the all new Gator Gully Splash Park where kids of all ages can cool off on those hot, lazy days of summer. Over a quarter- acre and ready to soak, Gator Gully Splash Park features dueling water guns on the backs of giant gators just waitin’ for a friendly squirtfest; an ol’ jalopy; Grandma’s Wet Shack and a veritable fountain of water-based fun for kids of all ages to splash, squirt and play in truckloads of cool H2O. And don’t miss the chance to have your photo taken on the back of a real live alligator, it’s all here for you to see and do!

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, breeding marsh with observation tower, aviary, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, the 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.

Orlando, FL. – What’s soft, pink and surrounded by alligators? The answer can be found nestled in the foliage of the Gatorland Breeding Marsh & Bird Sanctuary as a pair of wild Roseatte Spoonbills, rare to this area, have nested at the theme park producing two delicate offsprings covered in downy pink feathers.

The nesting, first of its kind in the theme park’s history, is even more special since one of the two parents, the female bird, is a spoonbill being monitored as part of the Audubon of Florida’s Roseatte Spoonbill Monitoring and Banding Project. “This is the first documented record of one of the Audubon’s banded Spoonbill’s reaching reproductive maturity, breeding, and raising young,” states biologist Brynne Langan, coordinator of the Spoonbill Project. “The female bird, designated M5 by the Florida Audubon’s Spoonbill Monitoring and Banding Project, was banded on April 16, 2003 as a nestling in Tampa Bay’s Alafia Banks.”

Alligators and birds form a unique partnership in the Florida ecosystem, with colonies of birds frequently nesting above alligator habitats. Alligators help protect the birds from their natural predators, such as bobcats, raccoons, snakes, and other animals that could eat the eggs, chicks, or even adult birds. In return, the alligators are occasionally rewarded by sick or injured birds, as well as any chicks that fall… or get pushed out of their nests. This symbiotic relationship between birds and alligators can easily be seen at the Gatorland Breeding Marsh & Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest and most accessible native wading bird rookeries in Central Florida.

With the arrival of the Roseatte Spoonbills, the Gatorland Breeding Marsh & Bird Sanctuary provides vacationers and birding enthusiasts alike a rare glimpse into the breeding and nesting habits of the mysterious Spoonbills. The nest is even visible with a click of the mouse at www.gatorland.com, just click on the Gator Cam icon to take a quick peak at the family.

Established in 1991 as a natural breeding marsh for alligators, the 10-acre Breeding Marsh & Bird Sanctuary quickly became home to numerous species of native Florida birds. Egrets, Herons, Ibis, Cormorants, Anhingas, and even endangered Wood Storks breed or rest in the branches above the alligators. In November 2000, the Gatorland Rookery was recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a prominent site of special interest to birdwatchers, and was one of the few areas within Central Florida to be featured in the Great Florida Birding Trail.

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, breeding marsh with observation tower, aviary, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, the 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.