Gatorland and its conservation arm, Gatorland Global, have launched an emergency relief fund to support two animal conservation and rescue organizations in Jamaica that were devastated by Hurricane Melissa.
The fund will provide direct aid to Hope Zoo Kingston, a nonprofit zoological garden and wildlife rehabilitation center, and Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary, a rescue and rehabilitation facility. According to Gatorland, 100% of all donations will go toward repairing animal enclosures and habitats, rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, and providing food, water, and critical humanitarian assistance to surrounding communities.
“It is an honor for us to step up and help our friends at Hope Zoo Kingston and Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary who desperately need our help to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa,” said Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland. “We will be with them every step of the way as they rebuild their badly damaged facilities to continue their conservation and rehabilitation goals that are so closely aligned with our mission at Gatorland Global.”
Gatorland Global was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in early 2025, expanding Gatorland’s long-standing commitment to wildlife protection and education. Since its creation in 2018, the organization has focused on conservation, protection, and education efforts for crocodilian species worldwide, working closely with local and international partners.
Savannah Boan, Vice President and International Ambassador for Gatorland Global, praised the collaborative conservation efforts and longstanding partnerships with the Jamaican facilities. “Gatorland Global builds lasting relationships and shares vital knowledge that helps protect wildlife not only in Florida but around the world,” Boan said. “We also focus on educating children and communities on how to live safely near alligators and crocodiles.”
Boan, who regularly travels with the Gatorland Global team for conservation collaborations, has worked directly with both Hope Zoo and Holland Bay Crocodile Sanctuary in Jamaica.
Donations of any amount will directly aid the recovery of these facilities and the communities that care for them. To contribute or learn more, visit www.gatorlandglobal.org.
Gatorland, celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, continues to serve as one of Central Florida’s most beloved attractions, blending natural wildlife exhibits, adventure experiences, and education to inspire conservation awareness among guests of all ages.
