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Gatorland

Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, some of which have appeared in movies, television shows and commercials. The 51-year-old park combines a petting zoo, bird sanctuary, mini-water park, eco-tour, action packed outdoor entertainment and gift shop.

The park was created by Owen Godwin. He had an alligator pit in the backyard of his house and sold gator products and noticed that after making their purchases, customers step outside and stare in amazement at a gator mom with her babies. So the idea of the attraction that shows Florida wildlife appeared. First the park was named Snake Village and in 1951 the name changed to Gatorland Godwin went on safaris worldwide - Africa, India, Honduras, Alaska - searching for animals for the Gatorland zoo.

Gatorland shows: Gator Jumparoo

During the show guests learn more about the alligators and crocodiles and their capabilities and watch as giant alligators jump four to five feet out of the water to retrieve food.

Alligator Wrestling show

The 800-seat Gator Wrestling Stadium has a huge stage with surrounding moat. During 20-minute shows, a wrangler jumps into the reptile-infested waters and hauls a thrashing gator onto the stage.

Alligator Breeding Marsh

Ten acres of natural habitat populated with 100 female and 25 male gators. Guests can get a birds-eye view from our three-story observation tower.

Rookery

As a bonus, Gatorland becomes a vast rookery, with thousands of aquatic birds nesting above the Marsh. Alligators protect nests from natural predators, like raccoons and opossums. Today, the rookery is considered one of the largest in Central Florida. The theme park is one of the few places worldwide where visitors can watch endangered wading birds build nests and feed their young, all just an arm's reach away.

Gatorland is located on Hwy 441 at the Orlando-Kissimmee line in South Orlando, only 15-20 minutes away from Walt Disney World, Sea World and the Orlando International Airport.