Gatorland and its American Alligator, Tamale, are featured in this year’s Florida Highway Patrol’s entry in the the 2023 Annual American Association of State Troopers “Best Looking Cruiser” contest.
Regional state troopers from across the nation submit pictures of their best-looking vehicles to represent their state. This year Florida Highway Patrol chose to do the shoot of one of their best-looking vehicles at Gatorland and feature one of Gatorland’s star alligators named Tamale.
The photoshoot by retired FHP Lieutenant Jeff Frost of a 2019 Dodge Chrysler in FHP’s traditional colors of black and tan, took place in a grassy area of the 110-acre Gatorland theme park. Tamale, one of the park’s toothy residents, is a 15-year-old, 8.5 ft long, 180-lb American alligator. When not on photo duty, she spends her time in alligator paradise with over 120 alligators in the large 15-acre Main Lake, eating fish, red meat and chicken, and sunning herself on Gatorland’s gator beaches.
https://www.facebook.com/FloridaHighwayPatrolTrainingAcademy/videos/1631454440683959
https://www.flhsmv.gov/votefhp/
“We are thrilled that FHP wanted to partner with Gatorland to showcase Florida’s natural wildlife and our magnificent Tamale,” said Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland. “We are hoping everyone joins us in voting for FHP to win this great national contest which benefits the families of those who serve and protect us.”
The annual contest is sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers with proceeds benefiting the AAST Foundation providing educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers. The winning state trooper photo will be featured on the cover of the Best Looking Trooper Cruisers 2024 AAST Wall Calendar. Voting is open until July 31. See the link below to vote for FHP and Tamale!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023
Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, Gatorland is celebrating its 74th Anniversary in 2023. This iconic park provides affordably priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, popular capybara encounter, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant, and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters. Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure and the brand-new Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure.
