Gatorland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Entrance to Gatorland, prior to fire

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located along South Orange Blossom Trail in Orange County, Florida. It was founded by Owen Godwin in 1949, and still privately owned by his family today. Billed as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland features thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with boardwalk and observation tower, reptile shows, aviary, petting zoo, swamp walk and educational programs.

The operation also has an active road show providing alligator wrestling, pythons, lizards and other animals with an informative animal talk for private parties and benefits. In addition, Gatorland manages the live alligator display at the Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee, Florida.

[edit] 2006 fire

At approximately 6:00 AM local time on November 6, 2006, a 3-alarm fire broke out at Gatorland. Apparently the fire started when a heating pad in one of the displays in the gift shop shorted out. Arson was not suspected. The fire was brought under control as of 8:30 AM the same day. The gift shop and several walkways were completely ablaze. The fire killed a four-foot-long crocodile and two six-foot-long pythons, but spared the other animals. [1] During the day, the birds that are displayed in and around the shop were moved to the aviary at the back of the park and were not injured. The famous concrete entrance that is shaped like an alligator's mouth did not collapse, though there was smoke damage.

Gatorland reopened the day after Thanksgiving 2006, once inspectors confirmed that there was no structural damage to the various walkways and displays at the park. However, a new entrance is being built, due to the damage to the Gator Mouth entrance.