One of Central Florida’s oldest attractions, Gatorland has been founded by the late Owen Godwin in 1949, as a small roadside alligator pit.
Today the total number of alligators and crocodiles exceeds one thousand, and the animals are backed up by hundreds of turtles, parrots, flamingos and the like, making Gatorland a unique and natural alternative to the larger theme parks in the surrounding area.
Known as “Alligator Capital of the World” the wildlife park is located between Orlando and Kissimmee on the South Orange Blossom Trail, some 15 minutes from centre of Orlando.
The animals are kept in the 110-acre area, which features breeding marsh with an observation tower, and Gatorland’s Swamp Walk – 2,000-foot wooden boardwalk rising over the Cypress swamp.
For visitors there are several shows repeated several times a day, the most spectacular are Gator Jumparoo Show starring trained alligators jump out of the water and snatch food from one of the brave Gatorland trainers, and Florida Cracker where gator wrestlers catch a 6 to 8 foot alligator by hand and present the animal to the audience with the introductionary talk about the features of the animals.
The other animals are grouped in the thematic areas, like Flamingo Lagoon, and beside of American Flamingos you can find here , Florida turtles, Galapagos tortoise, White Ibis and Black Vulture.
The pet Zoo is shaped into the farm, where in the barnyard children can meet chicken, ducks, sheep goats and many more.
Some , like the most dangerous snakes alive, are presented during the special Upclose Encounters Show.
[ photo courtesy of Kissimmee - The Heart of Florida]
Gatorland
14501 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837
Phone: 407-855-5496
Toll Free: 800.393.JAWS
open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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