The Gatorland Entertainment Team (E-Team) Chris, Joel, Donny, Russ, Matt, Adam, Bret, George, Pete, Kenny, Dennis, Mark, Mike, Rob and Brandon. The E-Team consist of three departments; Park Entertainment, Off Property Shows and Adventure Tours.
Before, Adam performing the “Sleep” and after, that gator is out cold!
JOINED THE E-TEAM: SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
AGE: 23
EDUCATION: CORNELL UNIVERSITY: BACHELOR’S IN ANIMAL SCIENCE
INTERVIEW
When you decide to audition for Gatorland Entertainment did you know you would have to become a gator wrestler?
Yes. My wife actually called asking about a job and was told that they were looking for a gator wrestler. She was asked if she would be interested in wrestling gators and she said, “No, but my husband would be!”
What were you doing before you came to Gatorland?
I was working as an Educator at the Utica Zoo in upstate New York. I taught people about animals, their conservation, and the importance of respecting them instead of fearing them. I worked with many exotic and potentially dangerous animals there so it was also very fun for me.
It is challenging to learn to wrestle alligators but it has to be fun too. Tell me about what makes it fun and keeps you excited?
I would have to say that a large and enthusiastic audience makes it fun and exciting! Also, just knowing that they are having fun helps me to relax, especially when I realize that the animal I’m sitting on could pop my head in its jaws…..like a balloon, yuck.
What is your favorite alligator at Gatorland and why?
Oprah, and I don’t mean the talk show host, because she is the best looking “sheila” out there!
What is the hardest part of your job as a Gatorland Entertainer?
I am so passionate about what I do, that it’s hard for me to give a short answer to any question. Probably because of my personality, experience and education, there’s so much I want to say when I get asked a simple question like, “Why isn’t it biting you?” The other difficult thing for me is coming up with funny stuff as fast as some of the other guys on the E-Team can but that is half the fun…I’m always learning here and taking risk. I guess the “hard” stuff isn’t so bad.
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
So far the closest I think I’ve been to being bit was with Bari, an alligator used in the wrestling show. I was pulling her onto the sand by her tail and she spun at me with her mouth open and got within a few inches of my right foot. It scared the poop out of me. Can you say poop? Oops…I just said poop, oops I said it again…..I’ve got to stop.
What made you interested in alligators/reptiles?
I grew up having a passion for animals because of Steve Irwin. He gave me some of his love for these less cuddly creatures. Also, my mom never cared for having reptiles around the house, so wanting something that I couldn’t have made me want them more.
What kind of pets do you have at home? Why those pets?
We own: 2 Ball Pythons, 2 Bearded Dragons, 2 Sugar Gliders, 1 Chinese Water Dragon, 1 Quaker Parrot…and a partridge in a pear tree, lol. That’s all we have space for right now but I would love to keep more than this someday. Why these pets? Because I love these animals, also they are amazing! My wife and I like to teach people all about them too.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
Aviation, camping, bird watching, hiking, scuba diving and I’d like to try surfing.
Do you have any special talents?
My talents are more geared toward physical feats. I played soccer in high school and was one who did a “flip-throw” when throwing the ball back in play. (I would do a handspring on the ball, land and launch the ball over my head and back onto the field). I can also run up a wall and back-flip off of it. I learned all of my gymnastic tricks on a trampoline first and will even do any of them on command in exchange for candy.
Do you have someone who inspired you to get into this field?
Again, I have to say Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Some may know him as “that crazy Australian guy on TV” but I know him as the greatest ambassador that wildlife has ever had. He had a passion for all types of wildlife and grew up immersed in a family that felt the same way. His avalanche of experience working with crocodilians and other reptiles gave him the ability to work with animals in a way that made his audience feel like they were right there with him. He knew what he was doing and understood the animals he was working with. My goal is to continue his work in showing the average person that all animals, reptiles included, deserve the love and respect that Steve had for them.
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
I would go out to sea to study blue whales. I’ve always loved the ocean and we know very little about the biggest animal that has ever lived on our planet.
If there was one thing you would like for our guests to know about you, what would that be?
I get along with just about anyone. OK, to give you an example; I went to an Ivy League university….and you can imagine the kind of people I knew there but then for my wedding well…..let me explain. I had a camouflage wedding sooooooooooooo everyone had to come in camouflage! It was real wacky but real fun! As I said I like all sorts of stuff to do and experience so that is why I am a gator wrestler. Anyway, I’d love to meet you when you come to Gatorland….we’ll chat!
JOINED THE E-TEAM: JUNE 21, 2010
AGE: 30
EDUCATION: SOME COLLEGE
INTERVIEW
When you decide to audition for Gatorland Entertainment did you know you would have to become a gator wrestler?
Of Course! That’s why I was so excited to apply for the position. I think the animals represented at Gatorland are among the most fascinating in the world and the opportunity to work with them hands on was something I couldn’t pass up.
What were you doing before you came to Gatorland?
Right before I was hired at Gatorland I was actually a manager at a nearby McDonald’s restaurant. I was good at my job and I learned many valuable skills but I think if I had to make one more Sausage and Egg McMuffin I probably would have lost my mind!
It is challenging to learn to wrestle alligators but it has to be fun too. Tell me about what makes it fun and keeps you excited.
What makes it fun for me are the alligators themselves. Each one is unique with completely different personalities. Every wrestling show is different than the last and just when you think you have an alligator figured out they do something completely unexpected that always keeps you on your toes.
What is your favorite alligator at Gatorland and why?
My favorite alligator?? This will sound funny but my favorite alligator is probably one of our former wrestling gators named Flo. Flo was in the arena when I began my training and I swear she was like 10 ft and 800 pounds although many will disagree with me. Anyway, I could not wrestle this gator for the life of me and soon she became my white whale. By the end of my training I truly believe she felt sorry for me and allowed me to wrestle her for my test. Now she is in the breeding marsh and I see her from time to time.
What is the hardest part of your job as a Gatorland Entertainer?
The hardest part is trying to leave all of my excitement at work and not bring it home. I talk about my day so much that if my wife even hears the word alligator now she gets up and leaves the room
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
What? Close calls? I’ve never heard of that phrase? What does that even mean….? (cough)
What made you interested in alligators/reptiles?
Just a childhood thing I guess. I have always been captivated by them and when my parents let me bring my first snake home I was hooked after that. Little did my mom know that one would soon turn into 15! Thanks Mom!
What kind of pets do you have at home? Why those pets?
I have a Red Footed Tortoise, a Chilean Tarantula, and three Emperor Scorpions. I have these pets because my wife will not allow snakes in the house
What kind of hobbies do you have?
Umm, I enjoy writing, hiking, and answering ridiculously long questionnaires.
Do you have any special talents?
I can juggle. In fact there was a time when I wanted to join the circus believe it or not I can juggle balls, clubs, swords, torches, just about anything.
Do you have someone who inspired you to get in to this field?
I think my parents were my biggest motivators. They were always very encouraging when I began my love for reptiles, allowing me to bring a lot of crazy stuff home and helping me learn everything I could about my new pets.
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I would probably travel through India and Asia and work with their wide variety of Cobras.
If there was one thing you would like for our guests to know about you, what would that be?
I can fit my entire body through a plastic coat hanger!
JOINED THE E-TEAM: MAY, 15th 2008
AGE: 37
EDUCATION: SERVED IN THE MARINE CORPS, NOW THERE’S AN EDUCATION
INTERVIEW
You came to us after working for Sea World! What made you come to Gatorland?
I had a great time working for Sea World and I worked with many different kinds of animals, but I really wanted a chance to work with large reptiles and venomous snakes.
When you decided to audition for Gatorland Entertainment did you know you would have to become a gator wrestler?
No, I wanted to work in an animal park again with a new variety of animals. I am kind of an outgoing guy and I like people, so being back in a theme park atmosphere really excited me. For a little while I worked in retail and that just wasn’t me. I’m back!!!
It is challenging to learn to wrestle alligators, but it has to be fun too. Tell me about what makes it fun and keeps you excited.
Every day is different. The gators are all different with different personalities. Let me explain, I can have an easy going gator to wrestle or one that is just CRAZY. Believe me the crazy ones keep you on your toes. I also like the different reactions I get from each crowd. Our guest, come from all over the world and they react differently. So, I guess I like challenges and being in the moment with the guest and the animals. That is what makes it fun.
What is your favorite alligator at Gatorland and why?
Tonja…that is the gator I would call my favorite. She is one of the nastiest gators in the wrestling arena. She really challenged me during gator wrestling training. On my graduation day as a gator wrestler she was the last gator I wrestled. I had to wrestle every gator in the arena to graduate…that was 10 gators in two hours. I was exhausted but I did it!
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
I would go to Yellow Stone National Park and study wolves and their behaviors. I have a real passion for wolves, I don’t know why, they are just cool and well, I guess that is next adventure for me and on my personal bucket list.
What made you interested in alligators/reptiles?
I want to be a veterinarian that works with exotic animals. I am currently studying to be a veterinarian while I am working here at Gatorland. It is all a part of my personal journey, some people like sports or the arts but I like animals.
What kind of pets do you have at home? Why those pets?
I have a dog named Bell. I work all day long with wild animals so I go home to my dog. Gators and reptiles aren’t quite as cute and cuddly as Bell.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I like building things, working in the yard, sports and spending time with my son. I have a busy life.
Do you have any special talents?
I guess that depends on what you call talent. I am outgoing and friendly and really good with people. Is that a talent? Oh, and I can hold my breath for a really long time, LOL.
What was your last job?
I worked for Lowes as a manager. Before that I worked with various types of animals at Sea World cleaning, training and husbandries. You name it I did it.
If there was one thing you would like for our guests to know about you, what would that be?
I am the guy to chat with if you come here. People are interesting to me so I want to get to know them. Just come up to me and spend a little time. I am sure we will find something to talk about.
What is the hardest part of your job as a Gatorland Entertainer?
The constant change we have daily. All of the entertainers have to perform the shows, clean and care for the alligators, crocodiles and snakes under our care, repair and build anything that deals with our areas, drive the train…wow, I’m tired just talking about it. SO CHANGE is the thing that really makes it hard, but I can say that it’s never boring.
Brandon is one of our Gator Wrestlers and also performs as “Bubba” in our Gatorland commercials.
JOINED THE E-TEAM: MARCH 31st 2009 the 2nd time!
AGE: 25
EDUCATION: SOME COLLEGE, I WAS STUDYING BIOLOGY
INTERVIEW
When you decided to audition for Gatorland Entertainment did you know you would have to become a gator wrestler?
Not at first, but once I found out that part of the job entailed wrestling alligators, I was really excited and up for the challenge!
What were you doing before you came to Gatorland?
I was a full time student. I was debating between moving away for college or staying here and going to collage locally.
It is challenging to learn to wrestle alligators but it has to be fun too. Tell me about what makes it fun and keeps you excited.
Personalities keeps it fun! The alligators have individual personalities and some of them are crazier than others. I like seeing the reactions of guests when we wrestle crazy alligators!
What is your favorite alligator at Gatorland and why?
Jumper is my favorite alligator because in his day he was one of the larger wrestling alligators. He was spontaneous and had a mean streak that made him challenging & fun to handle.
What is the hardest part of your job as a Gatorland Entertainer?
The hardest part is being able to adapt to any situation quickly. It is easy to get comfortable, but you never know when one of these alligators can wake up on the wrong side of the swamp.
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
Yes. I have been scraped by a crocodile tooth on my calf and swiped on the head by an alligator tail. But we don’t like to talk about close calls…shhh … don’t tell anybody!
What made you interested in alligators/reptiles?
I’ve always had a love for animals; reptiles and alligators were something I grew to love, even more after working with them. They are prehistoric creatures. There is still so much to learn about them and that keeps me interested.
What kind of pets do you have at home? Why those pets?
I have two miniature dachshund dogs. They are great companions and great little guard dogs. They bark at their reflections too, lol!
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I have many hobbies, mostly outdoor sports. Mainly I enjoy racquetball, golf, bowling & baseball.
Do you have any special talents?
I usually tell people I can wrestle an alligator, but it’s fairly common here at Gatorland! Other than that, I can touch my nose with my tongue.
Do you have someone who inspired you to get in to this field?
I don’t really have one individual who inspired me, but I grew up watching Jack Hanna on TV and reading about him. He bleeds love for animals of all kinds and it is contagious. I also admire him for his animal rehabilitation and dedication to all types of animals all over the world.
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
I would travel to Alaska to study the Timber Wolf. I am passionate about their existence.
If there was one thing you would like for our guests to know about you, what would that be?
I would like the guests to know that I really am Bubba. No really guys! It’s me, Bubba! Who’s Brandon!?!
Bret performing, “The Sleep” in the Gator Wrestling Show.
JOINED THE E-TEAM: WHICH TIME? 1988 WAS THE FIRST TIME.
AGE: I’M THE OLDEST…AND MOST EXPERIENCED, LOL!
EDUCATION: LIFE!
INTERVIEW
When you decide to audition for Gatorland Entertainment did you know you would have to become a gator wrestler?
Actually, I didn’t. I was in Entertainment before the Gator Wrestling show got started in 1991. I guess you could say that I was drafted into gator wrestling. A fellow workmate and I got a call on the radio asking if we could come up to Frank Godwin’s office (the former President of Gatorland). We thought we were in trouble. We entered the office to find Frank and a gray haired gentleman with a smile hidden behind his mustache. Frank looked at us and said, “This here’s Tim Williams, he’s gonna teach ya’ll how to wrestle gators.” Being a young and fearless man, I said. “OK.” It was all downhill from there.
What were you doing before you came to Gatorland?
I grew up in my father’s business of office machine repair and sales. I did that since I was 8 years old. Fixing office machines, typewriters, copiers, fax machines. I have always loved working with my hands. When we moved to Florida and I started working at a pet shop while still working for my dad, the manager of the pet shop’s son worked at Gatorland. He got me interested so I quit the pet shop job and got a job at Gatorland. Since then I have worked on and off doing other things, construction, pest control, pool cleaning, working at a plant nursery and appliance repair but I have always come back to Gatorland.
It is challenging to learn to wrestle alligators but it has to be fun too. Tell us about what makes it fun and keeps you excited.
I think seeing the smiles on the guests faces is what keeps me excited and interested. I love the interaction we have with the guests. That sets us apart from the other theme parks. We are very much into guest interaction and we love to talk. Don’t ask us questions or we’ll hold you there for hours, telling you all about what we do and all about the cool animals we have here.
What is your favorite alligator at Gatorland and why?
Unfortunately my favorite alligator died at a ripe old age of about 60. His name was Godzilla. He was about 13 feet long. A few months before he died he got in a bad fight with another alligator. The other alligator punctured his nasal passage on the top of his snout which meant he couldn’t hold his breath underwater. But, he lived with that wound for a while. Well, one day I was leaving the park after work and I looked down in the water and saw Godzilla going into convulsions. Now, I have this passion for animals and a lot of experience with gators so I jumped in the water, got in front of him and gently lifted his snout above the water so he wouldn’t drown. By this time, I had a zookeeper behind me with a roll of tape to tape his mouth shut. Godzilla looked me in the eyes as if to say, “Ya know, you guys have taken care of me all my life, just let me die peacefully.” We actually had some guests and a few other employees help lift Godzilla onto a truck and put him into a shallow enclosure so he wouldn’t drown. Godzilla died a few weeks later. I absolutely balled. I was pretty attached to that alligator. I took him out in the back forty and buried him myself.
What is the hardest part of your job as a Gatorland Entertainer?
Ummmm….can’t think of one.
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
I was hoping that this question wouldn’t come up. Yes. I have been bit but I haven’t been bit in quite some time, though. It’s inanimate objects that get me. The bell at the Jumparoo Show fell on my head. I shut my hand in the train’s door. I was struck by lightning (long story…but I lived). I slip and fall a lot. Hey, if something weird is gonna happen, it’s gonna happen to Bret.
What made you interested in alligators/reptiles?
We live in Florida, need I say more? 
What kind of pets do you have at home? Why those pets?
I have a Yellow Naped Amazon Parrot. Why? She was donated to Gatorland and she had a skin condition and some weird tail feathers so they didn’t want to put her on display. I took her home. I thought she was the biggest mistake I have ever made but now I can’t live without her. She’s my Sydney.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I love the outdoors; camping, fishing, boating, bike riding and hanging out with friends. I love to cook. I love music. I love to play guitar although I am not very good.
Do you have any special talents?
Talents? Yes, getting myself into trouble, oh and I slip and fall a lot.
Do you have someone who inspired you to get in to this field?
Inspired me? No, not really. But, the people that I work with keep me inspired to continue in this field. I was working with reptiles and wrestling gators before any of the recent animal guys on TV had shows. Although, Tim Williams, has been a great inspiration to me. He’s the one that taught me how to wrestle alligators.
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
Costa Rica. No one animal though. There is a huge diversity of animals there.
If there was one thing you would like for our guests to know about you, what would that be?
I like long walks on the beach and puppy dogs. Ha, ha!
Donny is one of our performers and plays the role of “Cooter” in our Gatorland commercials
Joined the E-Team: MAY 17th, 2007
AGE: 24
EDUCATION: GATORLAND IS MY REAL WORLD EDUCATION!
INTERVIEW
What made you want to become a gator wrestler; was there a particular experience that helped you make this decision?
Well, I was tired of working at places that didn’t make me happy. I always had a passion for animals and as a kid catching snakes and reptiles was something I really enjoyed doing so what better than working with alligators at Gatorland. Here I really get the best of both worlds, working at a place I love and doing something I love.
What was the craziest thing that has ever happened to you at Gatorland?
One morning I went into work everyone was really bossy towards me. They were moving a really big snake enclosure, and it needed all six of the entertainers to help. When I got down to the Upclose room, (where we keep the animals we use for some of our shows), I was asked to transfer a venomous snake from one box to another. When I opened the box a squirrel popped out! It scared the heck out of me. The guys had caught one earlier that day and put it in there as a joke. We let the cute little squirrel go back into the wild but it took a while to get back my composure.
What is your favorite alligator at Gatorland and why?
Marian. She is my favorite alligator because she acts crazy every time you try to wrestle her. She spins and rolls… basically just tries to eat you!
If you had a choice to travel anywhere in the world to study animals, where would you go and what animal would you study?
I would travel to Africa to study big cats, i.e. lions, cheetahs, etc.
What is the best part of working here at Gatorland?
The best part is working with the friends that I have made in Entertainment and teaching the guest more about the animals we have at Gatorland.
Have you ever had any close calls working with alligators or any other animal here at Gatorland?
Yes, while I was training to be a wrestler I almost got bit in the face. That was a close call for sure!
What made you interested in alligators/reptiles?
Growing up around them and seeing them on T.V.
What kind of pets do you have at home?
I have a Green Anaconda, Amazon Tree Boa, Albino Burmese Python, Rat snake and a Black Throat Monitor.
Why those pets?
Well, because two of them are going to grow to be 20 feet or over (hopefully) and because I love reptiles as pets.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I like playing Halo 3, playing pool, canoeing, finding snakes out in the woods, (don’t do this unless you really know your snakes), playing paintball and………….sleeping.
Do you have any special talents?
I can eat 7 saltine crackers in under a minute…really I can!
Do you have someone who inspired you to get in to this field?
Yes, Steve Irwin, and the great Shaun Foster, (he’s a friend and one of the other gator wrestlers here at Gatorland.)
What was your last job?
I was a cook at a local restaurant.
If there was one thing you would like for our guests to know about you, what would that be?
Well, I am probably one of the happiest guys you will ever meet. I hope I bring a little laughter into the guest lives while they are visiting us.
What is the hardest part of your job as a Gatorland Entertainer?
One thing that is hard is not laughing in the Jumparoo Show. Those guys are funny! But I would have to say the hardest thing is leaving at the end of the day.