On November 6, 2006 a fire was discovered in the Gatorland Gift Shop on South Orange Blossom Trail by two employees arriving for work. More than seventy-five firefighters supported by numerous apparatus battled the blaze until late afternoon.
Alligator Island, located in the northern section of Gatorland's "Gator Lake", is home to the largest reptiles in the park. Hundreds of alligators inhabit "Gator Lake", and Alligator Island is the best place to see Gatorland's largest alligators and crocodiles up close and personal as they soak up the Florida sun.
Making its debut in 1965, the original Gatorland Iron Horse gave visitors a glimpse of the south end of the park as it carried passengers over alligators and by the animal displays on its journey back to the station. After 35 years of loyal service carrying millions of passengers, the old Iron Horse was finally retired in 2000 and a new station was built.
Created in 1991 as a natural breeding area for Gatorland's gators, the 10 acre Gatorland Breeding Marsh contains 130 adult alligators... 100 females and 30 males. Living their lives in a completely natural environment, these alligators produce the next generation of Gatorland's namesake reptiles. Take a unique opportunity to learn more about Gatorland's Bird Rookery.
Enter if you dare the realm of Jungle Crocs, home to some of the largest and most dangerous crocodiles on the planet! Hear the tale of the intrepid adventurer Owen Godwin as he scoured the world over for the baddest crocs in the land.
Located at the southern end of the park is Gatorland's Swamp Walk, a self guided tour through an unspoiled native Cypress Swamp. A raised wooden walkway snakes itself through the Cypress trees affording visitors a rare look back into what much of Central Florida looked like before people started draining the wetlands to build their farms and homesteads.
Just across from the Very Merry Aviary and Allie's Barnyard is Gatorland's Flamingo Lagoon, home to a small colony of American Flamingos. Found in tropical and sub-tropical areas throughout the world, flamingos can reach a height of 5 feet and may live over 40 years in captivity.
Drop by Allie's Barnyard and say hello to some of the cute and cuddly barnyard critters that call Gatorland home. Here you'll find Dolly Llama, a real sweetheart with a bucktooth grin who just loves having her picture taken. Say hello to Gracie, a friendly goat who just loves to eat from your hand, and Harley the Macaw who just might say hello back!
Gatorland's Very Merry Aviary, home to the colorful and friendly Lorikeets, is a great place to get upclose to nature. These brightly colored parrots, native to the Western Pacific and East Indies area, are specially adapted to a diet of pollen, nectar, and fruit.
Most people have a fascination with snakes, with many individuals having a deathly fear of them. The fact is, snakes are basically misunderstood reptiles that have gotten a bad reputation, and they play a very important role in our environment. Florida has many different varieties of snakes, most of which are completely harmless to human beings.
For over half a century, Gatorland has been creating fond vacation memories for millions of visitors who have entered through its gaping gator mouth entrance. Families, friends and employees alike have ventured through the glass double doors on their way to a journey through this natural, low-tech adventure.