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.  In an effort to keep unwanted exotic pets out of Florida’s native habitats, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Gatorland will host a Pet Amnesty Day at the theme park on October 3, 2009. 

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 and click on “Be a nonnative 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. 

When night falls, evil rises inside Gator Hollow at Gatorland. During select nights in October, the swamp will be invaded by hostile aliens and hordes of the undead.  You will find yourself trapped between two terrifying evils as they challenge each other for the ultimate prize; you… and the rest of mankind!  Venture deep into the swamp as you flee from zombies, extra-terrestrial warriors and other ghastly threats, all while surrounded by the hundreds of gators who inhabit the murky waters around you.

Find out how much fun fear can be, only at Gator Hollow!

If fear is not in your vocabulary, gates open at 7:00pm until 10:00pm nightly (October 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 2009).  Gator Hollow Tour is not included with daytime park admission.  The fee to enter is $10.00 plus tax, per person, adult or child.  Please be aware that some elements of the evening might be considered too intense for young children. No masks or costumes allowed.

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 going above and beyond each and everyday to make education fun for the children in their classroom.  

Teacher’s looking to explore Gatorland must present a photo identification card and proof of employment, 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.

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The arrival of the world’s largest collection of giant, white alligators at Gatorland made it possible for the 60-year old theme park to have one of the best summers in the theme park’s history.  To keep that momentum going the “Alligator Capital of the World” is bringing back the $9.99 (adult or child) Florida Resident Special for the month of September allowing visitors one more chance to stare into the eyes of these legendary beauties. 

The rare white alligator collection, featuring four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet, will officially close on October 1, 2009 for breeding introductions.  The four ivory colored male reptiles are very territorial and the introduction of a female into the environment can and may be a very tedious process.

Each of the large reptiles are roughly ten to eleven plus feet in length, weigh over 400 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. So, don’t miss your chance to stare at a price you can’t afford to miss!

$9.99
Florida Resident Special
Adults - $9.99 per Person
Children (3-12) - $9.99 per Person
Offer Expires:  September 30, 2009
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!

ORLANDO, FL.: After some intense deliberation, the team at Gatorland has selected the name Trezo Je, submitted by Alisa King of Orlando, as the official name of the fourth giant, white leucistic alligator located at the White Gator Swamp at Gatorland.  

“When I read about the leucistic alligators’ arrival at Gatorland, the article in the Orlando Sentinel really emphasized their eyes stating that good luck may come to those who gaze into them; so I began thinking of different words associated with good luck  and the word ‘treasure’ soon became a focal point,” states King. “In the Cajun language the name ‘Trezo Je’ means ‘treasures eye’; a perfect name for this beautiful, rare reptile.” 

The contest launched a nationwide hunt for the perfect name for this rare, ten foot alligator in the spotlight, and a chance to get up-close and personal with one of the white alligators featured in the White Gator Swamp at Gatorland.  Hordes of entries from across the country were submitted and from those, the name Trezo Je was selected as our winner.  

Alisa and her family will take part in a ceremony officially naming the incredible alligator on Sunday, August 16 at 12:30pm. Her visit will include the first one-on-one encounter by a guest inside of den of the huge reptile with alligator expert Mike Hileman, Director of Entertainment at Gatorland. 

Three foot alligator finds a new home at the theme park after being left behind by the death of a Helena Montana resident
Alex, a three-foot alligator from Helena, Montana arrived at his new home at Gatorland on Tuesday, March 3 where the Rocky Mountain native will spend the rest of his days snacking on turkey dogs and soaking up the warm Florida sun.

Sue Cecrle, a Lewis and Clark County animal control officer, first learned of the abandoned pet alligator from the relatives of a man who unexpectedly passed away in November 2008. After conducting a complete investigation, Cecrle and her team located the alligator in a bathtub at the home of the owner and quickly transported the young reptile to the Lewis and Clark County Humane Society where it has spent several months awaiting an invitation from his new family in sunny Central Florida.

“Once I heard the story of this little gator I knew we had to rescue him from the cold, snowy winters of Montana,” states Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “The only white stuff he might see here are the white, leucistic alligators located right around the corner from Alex’s new enclosure.

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 the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators.

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, an 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. 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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Cheers to Sixty Years
As Gatorland celebrates their 60th Anniversary as Central Florida’s premiere nature-based theme park

Good news for anyone who wants to wrestle a hungry alligator; Gatorland is launching its 60th, yes I said 60th, Anniversary celebration with a hunt for wild and wonderful photos, postcards and souvenirs commemorating the theme park’s exhibits and shows since 1949. This one-of-a-kind contest offers something for everyone. Prizes range from FREE admission to the “Alligator Capital of the World”, to a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for you and the family to Orlando, Florida, courtesy of the Gatorland family.

So get out your photos of the little ones cuddling Gatorland’s pet boa constrictor. Find that Polaroid of Granny & Grandpa sittin’ in the gators jaws or dig out that pocketknife with the handle made of “genuoo-ine” rattlesnake skin and bring them with you to Gatorland for a chance to win a portion of the 1,949 prizes to be awarded this year.

Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and a brief (50 words or less) description of your entry with the approximate year it represents. Fashion your own entry form or visit www.gatorland.com for an official entry form to be completed and attached to your prize souvenir/photograph. Either way, all entries must be presented no later than March 1, 2009 to the Gatorland’s Cheers for 60 Years Memorabilia Station located at the entrance to Gatorland at 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32837.

Not planning a trip anytime soon? Send your entry to: “Gatorland’s Cheers to 60 Years,” 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32837, Attention: Birthday Bash.

If you just cannot part with your alligator back scratcher or the snapshot of your loved ones perched inside the gaping gators jaws (plastic or otherwise), do not fret. Gatorland understands that good memorabilia is priceless. Color copies or photographs, postcards and snapshots of souvenirs are welcome.

“Gatorland’s Cheers to Sixty Years,” recognizes winners of all shapes and sizes. Entries will be displayed in the park throughout this year.
Here is a list of some of the wild and wonderful prizes to be awarded:
• First Place: Orlando Vacation : One lucky winner will receive a trip for a family of four to Orlando, Florida, including round-trip airfare; four-day, three-night stay at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida, annual passes for four to Gatorland, an exclusive trainer-for-the-day program for you and your family and a Gatorland prize package valued at over $500.00. Total prize valued at $5,000.00.
• Second Place: Spend Awhile with a Crocodile: Winners will spend a memorable few hours with one of the world famous Gatorland Alligator/Crocodile Wranglers and enjoy an individualized training session with a veteran gator wrestler during this thrilling “real Florida” adventure. Participants will also receive a framed certificate with photo of winner atop a giant alligator, suitable for display at home or the office. Twenty second place prizes will be awarded.

Value per prize: Priceless.
• Third Place: Spend More Time at Gatorland: Winners will receive FREE admission for two to Gatorland, “Orlando’s Best Half-Day Attraction,” plus a commemorative photograph of you with loved ones holding an alligator. One hundred and thirty eight winners will each receive two admission tickets and photo certificate valid for a return visit to Gatorland.
Value per prize: $75.00
• Memorable Mention: Good Entertainment: Spend the day at Gatorland on us! That’s right! Be one of the lucky ones to receive FREE admission to Gatorland instantly as part of the “Gatorland’s Cheers to Sixty Years” campaign. Winners will be selected randomly on a weekly and monthly basis from those folks armed with a photograph or souvenir from a past visit to be included in the “Cheers” promotion. Prizes may include free train ride/ animal chow coupons, t-shirts, photographs, admission to Gatorland, keeper-for-the-day experiences or a taste of those scrumptious gator bites available at Pearl’s Smokehouse.

“Gatorland is many things to many people,” says Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “It’s a fun family theme park and an oasis for Florida wildlife, including the state’s most famous resident, the alligator. We know entries will reflect all the crazy and adventurous experiences that keep people coming back year after year and generation after generation.”

Entries will be judged for authenticity by “Gatorland’s Cheers to Sixty Years” panel of experts. Judges will include members of the Godwin family, employees and long-time friends of the theme park. (A complete list of judges is available for review at www.gatorland.com) Winners will be selected by May 1, 2009. So snap up those keepsakes and photographs; “Gatorland’s Cheers to Sixty Years” campaign is sure to be huge! For more information, call 800-393-JAWS or visit us online at www.gatorland.com.

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. And, don’t miss the grand opening of the new $4 million-dollar gift shop and admissions complex set for this summer.

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.

The AAA rated Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek is one of Orlando newest luxury hotels. The hotel’s Spanish Revival architecture and idyllic, 230-acre setting on Shingle Creek, headwaters to the Florida Everglades, strike a perfect balance with its lavish upscale offerings including the David Harman-designed championship Shingle Creek Golf Course, 13,000 square-foot Spa at Shingle Creek and twelve lounges and dining venues, including an array of restaurants such as the classic steakhouse A Land Remembered and the Italian bistro Cala Bella. Additional amenities include four swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, over-sized game room, retail shops and nature and jogging trails and fishing with the backdrop of historic Shingle Creek. For more information, visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com