With the start of the busy summer vacation season now upon us, Gatorland® reminds its park guests and the traveling public that any body of water in the state of Florida can be home to alligators. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
• Take note that we are in the middle of breeding season right now. Alligators can be very territorial and many are on the move looking for mates.
• Keep in mind that when there is a drought and water levels are low, this also puts alligators on the move
• Use extra caution in the morning or evening hours in shallow water, as alligators may think the splashing is an animal at the waters’ edge or is in distress
• Stay away from alligators you see in the wild and do not feed them
• Remember, it is against the law in the State of Florida to feed an alligator
• Report any alligator concerns by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through http://myfwc.com/.
Gatorland invites the public to learn more about alligators, crocodiles, reptiles and other animals by visiting the 110-acre Gatorland theme park located at 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837.
The park originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949. Today, Gatorland provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, 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 Wrestlin’, Gator Jumparoo and Up-close Encounters.
Another not-to-be-missed adventure is the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line with over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines, and a massive 150-foot suspension bridge, voted Best Zip Line in the USA by AOL Travel.
Coming in the Fall of 2017 are the brand-new Gator Joe’s Adventure Outpost and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, the largest park expansion since Gatorland first opened. The new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure runs alongside the swamps that feed the headwaters of the everglades. Each of the three monster-style, off-road vehicles seats 12 riders, plus the driver, and is decorated to represent iconic alligators and crocodiles in Gatorland’s rich history.
The new Gator Joe’s Adventure Outpost will be located in front of the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure and serve as the park’s home base for reserving and purchasing separately-ticketed park adventures including the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, Adventure Hour, Gator Night Shine and Trainer For The Day.
There may be other attractions in Central Florida where the public can explore and learn about alligators, but none with the history and adventure-filled reputation as Gatorland in Kissimmee. If you’re visiting then make sure to carve out a visit to Gatorland, and if you’re a local, make sure to head over to Gatorland and support one of Osceola’s most valued treasures!