MEDIA ALERT

 Rate Increase Announced at Gatorland
General Admission increase to take effect December 1, 2011

ORLANDO, FL.:  Effective December 1, 2011 the admission rates at Gatorland will increase to $24.99 per adult and $16.99 per child, plus tax.

Get up close and personal with gators and crocs, birds and deer and so much more at the “Alligator Capital of the World.” Enjoy Gator Gully Splash Park where kids of all ages can play in truckloads of cool H2O and don’t miss the White Gator Swamp featuring four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet. 

 Looking for a discount on your admission tickets? Florida Residents can visit Gatorland for just $9.99 per person, plus tax now through January 9, 2012.  Proof of residency required per adult. 

   $9.99 Florida Resident Special

Adults - $9.99 per Person
Children (3-12) - $9.99 per Person
ALL Seniors (55+) - $9.99 per Person
Offer Valid through January 9, 2012

 Proof of Residency Required, Per Adult.  All rates are plus tax.
Florida residents will also be allowed to apply the cost of their admission towards the purchase of an annual pass with extended benefits that include 30% admission discounts for accompanying guests, 50% off the Adventure Hour, 20% off Rookie Wrestling Experience & in-park photography stations, 20% off Gift Shop purchases and 10% off food & beverages within the park.

At these prices a family of four, oh wait, make that a family of eight can visit Gatorland for less than the cost of one person at any of the larger area theme parks!

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, Gatorland award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show.  And, don’t miss the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp.  To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.    

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Rare white alligators celebrate their twenty-fourth birthday in style!

Orlando, Florida (October 11, 2011):  What’s on the menu for four, rare white alligators celebrating their birthday at Gatorland, “The Alligator Capital of the World?”  A turkey dog and chicken leg multi-tier cake of course! 

 The one-of-a-kind protein packed cake was hand created by the animal care department to celebrate the remarkable journey of their survival. Each of the three-tiered cakes weighed roughly forty-four pounds and included hundreds of turkey dogs and chicken legs; a nice snack for an 800 pound, alligator! 

It took less than a minute for each of the massive creatures to chomp down a big bite of their frozen treat before returning to the comfort of their private suite at the White Gator Swamp at the park.

The rare white alligator collection features four of the world’s largest white leucistic alligators known to roam the planet.  Ivory in color, the large reptiles are each ten to eleven plus feet in length, weigh over 800 pounds and have reflective blue eyes that are believed to have the ability to command good fortune to those lucky enough to make eye contact with the blue eyed beauties. 

No one knows why Mother Nature produced only one nest of these incredible white alligators. Vulnerable to many predators, because of the lack of skin pigmentation depriving them of natural camouflage; they likely would have never survived in the wild.  Collected from deep in a Louisiana swamp, the ‘pearls of nature’ were part of a clutch of seventeen infants recovered by workers from the Louisiana Land and Exploration Company while surveying the area.  The group later brought the hatchlings to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans where only a few of the rare reptiles survived.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, Gatorland award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show.  And, don’t miss the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft suspension bridge. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude”, visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.    

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*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

 Gatorland Salutes Central Florida First Responders

With Complimentary Admission during the month of September

ORLANDO, FL.: During the month of September, Gatorland is extending complimentary admission to America’s heroes. We’re talking about our community’s “first responders,” the men and women who put their lives on the line every day and are always there to help when called to action.

  Central Florida Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Services, and 911 Dispatchers will receive complimentary admission at the theme park along with a discount of 25% off the general admission price for up to four additional guests. (Valid Departmental ID must be presented at time of purchase).  

 Upgrade your ticket today for $49.99, plus tax, and ride the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Your zip line adventure ticket includes all day admission to Gatorland.  It’s not just a ride; it’s an adventure that takes you on a breathtaking journey along 1,200 feet of high flying thrills from seven platforms designed to merge with Gatorland’s natural and scenic habitats.  At heights exceeding seven stories, guests fly at speeds near 30 miles per hour over many of the landmark attraction’s exhibits and entertainment venues. It’s one wild adventure! Flight times are available daily; reservations are required.  Booking your adventure is easy.  Log onto www.Gatorland.com, or call 800-393-JAWS to view zip-line requirements and purchase tickets.

Gatorland’s Salute to Service Campaign

Complimentary Admission to Central Florida Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Services, and 911 Dispatchers with a valid Departmental ID
25% discount on general park admission for up to Four (4) guests
Offer Valid September 6 – 30, 2011
Proof of employment required at time of admission.  All rates are plus tax.

*The Screamin’ Gator Zip Line is not included with general park admission. An admission upgrade is available that includes a 2 ½ hour Screamin’ Gator Zip Line experience plus all day admission to Gatorland.  For more information visit www.gatorland.com or call (407) 855-5496 extension 244. Advance reservations are required.

 Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, Gatorland award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show.  And, don’t miss the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft suspension bridge. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude”, visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.    

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*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

Central Florida Teacher’s FREE at the “Alligator Capital of the World”

Orlando, Fl.: Gatorland would like to take this opportunity to thank Central Florida teachers for a job well done by extending complimentary admission to them and one guest, during the months of September and October, for giving there all each and every day to make education fun for the children in their classrooms.

 Florida public and private school teachers looking to explore Gatorland must present a school identification card and paystub, from one of the surrounding counties, at the time of admission. Complimentary admission will be extended to the teacher and one guest (adult or child) and may not be used in conjunction with fieldtrips or group outings scheduled at the attraction.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, Gatorland award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show.  And, don’t miss the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp and the all new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line featuring over 1,200 feet of high flying thrills, five intense zip lines and a massive 150 ft. suspension bridge. To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude”, visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.    

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Gatorland is proudly in our 4th generation of ownership and we don’t think it is appropriate to publicly air our family squabbles.  With that said, there is some interest in how we planned and developed the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.   This is by far the most exciting addition to the park in our 62-year history.

Gatorland has been committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our guests, employees, and natural resources since 1949. Our success has also been based on the entertaining and educational display of Florida’s animals and natural ecosystems.  We began investigating low impact, eco-friendly zip line rides in October 2009 and quickly found this type of ride to be a perfect fit for the park.  Zip lines are found in some of the world’s most eco-sensitive environments, allowing riders to experience the rare beauty of these sites with virtually no impact to the plants and animals. Riders are carried along cables through the treetops without motorized cars or enclosures, allowing them to marvel at scenery and animals that would otherwise be inaccessible. We quickly realized how wonderful it will be for our guests to zip over some of Gatorland’s incredible exhibits and view our animals from a perspective otherwise reserved for our feathered friends.

New exhibits and attractions are first presented to Gatorland’s Park Planning Committee (PPC) for review and approval prior to going before our board of directors. This committee is chaired by one of our outside board members, and includes second and third generation board members and shareholders as well as members of our management team.  A key member of this committee is Gatorland’s past president, Frank Godwin. Frank’s parents, Owen and Pearl Godwin founded Gatorland in 1949 and started one of central Florida’s landmark family attractions.  Frank has spent his entire life pouring his heart, sweat, and love into Gatorland, establishing the foundation of conservation decades ago that has guided Gatorland’s growth. In fact, it was Frank’s vision in the early ’90s to build the Alligator Breeding Marsh, knowing it would someday provide a safe home to thousands of wild wading birds. Today, his vision has resulted in the formation of an oasis for one of the largest wading bird colonies in Central Florida. If you think for a moment we would do anything that had even a remote chance of negatively impacting the Breeding Marsh, an incredible habitat in which he poured his heart into creating, you don’t know Frank!

In January 2010, each member of the PPC was asked to design a zip line route that he/she thought would maximize the assets of our park. From these “blue sky” meetings, a plan was developed that placed one segment of the zip line over the southern edge of our Alligator Breeding Marsh. The PPC members, however, are not experienced zip line designers, so Gatorland hired Global Highline Adventures(GHA), a professional zip line development company, in February 2010. GHA’s zip line experts and engineer spent two full days in the park, studying our geography and exhibits to determine the best zip line route with the least impact to the environment.  Based on their vast experience and our request to protect the sensitive elements of the Breeding Marsh, a route was chosen where no towers would be built in the rookery area, but placed a zip line approximately 175 feet from the PPC’s original route. GHA’s plan was approved by the PPC and presented to Gatorland’s board of directors.  Our team-based approach to planning and approval makes it impossible for one person to “unilaterally” change the zip line plans.

After reviewing the plan in late February 2010, Gatorland’s board hired GHA to design and engineer the new Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Their design included specific and detailed plans that would allow us to stop zipping, remove the cable, and bypass the segment crossing the Breeding Marsh during nesting season if it disturbed the birds: a very important element that we purposely built into the design.  Within a matter of weeks after initiating the formal design and engineering process, Mark McHugh, our President & CEO, contacted Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and invited a senior law enforcement officer to visit Gatorland and view the entire project. This initiated a very open review process in chorus with numerous government agencies including US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).

From April through July 2010, Mr. McHugh worked with biologists from FWC and USFWS to insure this new project would not only receive their support, but more importantly, tap their vast knowledge of wood storks and other wading birds to insure the safety of Gatorland’s inhabitants. As part of these discussions, we added another tower and moved the breeding marsh zip line about 100 feet south, but still across the Breeding Marsh to preserve our “signature” zip.  Another wonderful idea from USFWS was to add “bird diverters” near the zip line to help the birds see the cables.  These diverters are designed for power lines, and the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line will be the first zip line in the world to implement this technology.  It is very important to note that none of our zip line plans; the original PPC route, GHA’s plan, or the final route, ever physically impacted the Alligator Breeding Marsh or bird rookery, and to date not one tree, bush, plant, or bird’s nest in that area have been touched during the construction process. The Breeding Marsh rookery is a place we absolutely love and vow to protect.

The current route, which was studied and approved by both wildlife agencies, and implements the latest safety technology, includes seven towers, a swinging bridge, and five zip lines. But we didn’t stop there.  To insure our ongoing zip line activity remains safe for the birds, we hired an independent biologist to study our wood stork nesting activity and report directly to USFWS every week. His reports consistently show that the wood storks are raising their babies normally, and all the birds are completely undisturbed by the construction and zip line activities. We will continue these studies for many years because we are unequivocally dedicated to preserving our little oasis and protecting the beautiful animals that call Gatorland home.

Gatorland has a long history of conservation, preservation, and protection of the animals, birds, and environments under our care; it is the foundation of our mission.  One look and you’ll see that nothing has changed with the wildlife in our beautiful park and it never will.

Park Planning Committee Original Route:

Global Highlines Original Route:

Final Route:

The 2011 Photographers Pass Program is being canceled for the upcoming birding season.  This will include early and late entry into the Alligator Breeding Marsh and Bird Rookery outside of normal park hours. All individuals interested in continuing to take photos at Gatorland should consider purchasing an Annual Pass as the Annual Photo Pass will no longer be available.  Special events or groups of ten (10) or more should contact our Sales Department for a group rate at (407) 855-5496 extension 243. Thank you again for continuing to explore Gatorland and we encourage you to check back with us later in the year for more information on the 2012 Birding Season.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Gatorland Photo Contest announced this afternoon at the Alligator Capital of the World. 

The 2010 Photo Contest ran from March 1, 2010 through, August 2, 2010 and was open to photographers ages 18 and over and photographs submitted had to be taken at Gatorland by the entrant within the past two years. About 200 entries were received from across the country including Canada and the UK.

Submissions were judged in four categories and selected images will be featured in the theme parks collateral materials during the next twelve months.

Bird Category:

1st Place - Green Heron Nest Building by Jim Urbach
2nd Place - Heron Ripple by Paul Hennessey
3rd Place - Elegance GReat Egret by Kathy Urbach
Hon. Mention - LIttle Green Heron by Jack Rogers

Gators Category:

1st Place - Spring Reflection by Jack Rogers
2nd Place - Water Rippling by Ursala Dubrick
Hon. Mention - Bellowing by Susan Allshouse

Gatorland Category:

1st Place - Pretty in Blue by Susan Allshouse
2nd Place - Feather Soft by Terrri Wells

Amateur Category:

1st Place - Perfection by Brian Homenick
2nd Place - Snowly Egret Glow by Mirta Arriaga
3rd Place - Pink Reflection by Lori Barslow

First Place winners are shown below, view all of the top qualifiers images by clicking here! 

ORLANDO, Sept. 3, 2010 — Gatorland president Mark McHugh and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority public affairs director Carolyn Fennell have been named to the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was established by the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida to honor outstanding leaders for their service and commitment to the area’s hospitality industry.

The new inductees, who bring the Hall of Fame’s total to eight, were announced during a hospitality guest lectures class this morning at the Rosen College. 

McHugh is the president and chief executive officer of Gatorland, the Orlando home of the world’s largest collections of giant white leucistic alligators. Before joining Gatorland, McHugh spent 12 years as an animal trainer, curator, researcher and spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando, where he worked with dolphins, sea lions and killer whales.

He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from UCF, a master’s degree in Marine Science from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from Texas State University.

Today, McHugh volunteers on many industry and nonprofit boards throughout Central Florida, and he is dedicated to helping community leaders explore solutions to the region’s growth needs and achieve economic diversity.

Fennell oversees internal and external media relations and public and community activities at Orlando International Airport and the Orlando Executive Airport. An authority in crisis management and media relations, she has worked more than 20 years as a journalist and public relations professional.

Fennell was named the Orlando Business Journal’s 2010 Businesswoman of the Year, and she has received numerous awards and accolades for her professional and community involvement, as well as her activities in mentoring and encouraging youth and women to pursue successful endeavors.She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Florida A&M University, and she has studied at Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Board of Trustees of the Orlando Museum of Art and the Leadership Advisory Council of SKAL International Orlando.

Located in the heart of the tourism and hospitality industry, the Rosen College is dedicated to the values of professionalism, leadership and service. Its mission is to develop future generations of global hospitality and tourism leaders representing all industry segments in the hospitality capital of the world through innovative academic programs, cutting-edge research and strong industry and community partnerships.

Learn more at www.hospitality.ucf.edu.

Theme park opens Orlando’s Wildest Zip line

Orlando, Florida: (April 23, 2010) Gatorland is soaring to new heights in Central Florida
as the theme park opens the world’s first zip line to race above giant alligators and
crocodiles in the all new Eco Zip Line at Gatorland opening in the Fall 2010.

This one-of-a-kind ride takes you on a breathtaking journey along 1,200 feet of high
flying adventure from platforms designed to replicate the Breeding Marsh Tower.
At heights up to 56 feet, guests will fly at speeds near 30 miles per hour through the
park! An adrenaline rush guaranteed to bring out the true adventurer in everyone.

The Eco Zip Line at Gatorland will carry the brave riders along four intense zip lines,
ranging from 230 ft to more than 485 feet over some of the most exciting exhibits at
Orlando’s only theme park with “Bite & Attitude.” On just your second leg of the
journey, you’ll soar above the theme park’s collection of jumping Cuban Crocodiles.
What’s up next? A bird’s eye view of the Alligator Breeding Marsh featuring over one
hundred and fifty giant alligators watching your every move!

“We spent a tremendous amount of time designing this incredible experience that
combines the most modern safety features available in a zip line with the raw beauty
and excitement of Gatorland’s natural exhibits and majestic animals,” says Mark
McHugh, Gatorland’s president & CEO.

The 45 minute experience includes a brief orientation session, a nature walk through
the swamp, four breathtaking zips and an exciting swinging bridge for only $60, which
includes all day admission to the “Alligator Capital of the World.”

The construction of the Eco Zip Line is being managed by Global Expeditions, Inc.,
a privately owned company specializing in the development of exhilarating ecotourism
adventures for major corporations, the entertainment industry and organizations offering
unique experiences that create unbelievable memories.

To schedule an interview regarding the opening of the new attraction, please contact
Michelle Harris at michelleharris@gatorland.com or by phone at (407) 9485044.

Gatorland is a 110acre heme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm
with exciting new exhibits and entertainment. The park opened as a roadside attraction
in 1949. Today, it provides affordable priced family fun with thousands of alligators,
crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk,
educational wildlife programs, Gatorland award-winning ift shop, Florida’s best train ride,
restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator
Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Upclose Encounters Show. And, don’t miss the
world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp. To find
out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online
at: www.gatorland.com or call 1800393JAWS.

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*MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT * MEDIA ALERT *

Gatorland Salutes Emergency Medical Technicians
With Complimentary Admission during the week of May 16 - 22

ORLANDO, FL.: Gatorland is extending complimentary admission for Paramedics & Emergency Medical Technicians with a valid ID during the week of May 16 – 22, 2010 honoring their commitment to providing exceptional lifesaving medical assistance.

Emergency Medical personnel will receive complimentary admission at the theme park along with a souvenir water bottle and a discount of 25 percent off the price of admission for up to four additional guests. (Valid EMT-B or EMT-P must be presented at time of purchase).

Don’t miss the opening of the Mile of Monsters a brand new, one-of-a-kind self guided tour through the lair of some of the theme park’s most notorious reptiles including, Chester, the Terror from Tampa, and his distant cousin Mania from Miami, whose split personality can take him from mild to maniac in just seconds.

Salute to Service Campaign
Complimentary Admission to Emergency Medical personnel with valid Active ID
25% discount on admission for up to Four (4) guests
Offer Valid from May 16-22, 2010
Proof of employment required at time of admission.  All rates are plus tax.

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining “Old Florida” charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment.  The park opened as a roadside attraction in 1949.  Today, it provides affordable-priced family fun with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train-ride, restaurant, Gator Gully Splash Park and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show. And, don’t miss the world’s largest collection of giant white alligators in the new White Gator Swamp.  To find out more about “Orlando’s only Theme Park with Bite and Attitude,” visit us online at: www.gatorland.com or call 1-800-393-JAWS.

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