CONSERVATION IN FLORIDA
Gatorland Global operates a number of targeted programs designed to protect, conserve, and educate others about alligators, crocodiles, and other native species in Florida and around the world.
ALLIGATOR RESCUES
In Florida, the growing human population increasingly brings people and large alligators into close contact, creating situations that can be dangerous for both. When these encounters occur, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) authorizes licensed trappers to respond to public safety concerns. Unfortunately, this often results in the euthanization of the alligators. Gatorland Global steps in to provide a lifesaving alternative.
CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS
Through our partnership with FWC and dedicated trappers, we work to rescue these wild alligators that would otherwise be euthanized and sold for their hide and meat. These rescued gators are given a second chance at life, finding a safe home in Gatorland’s huge lakes, where they help educate the public about conservation and the critical role alligators play in Florida’s ecosystem.
By protecting these incredible animals, we ensure their future while promoting safety and coexistence between humans and wildlife.
GATOR RESCUE SPOTLIGHT
Winchester
Rescued in 2022 — When we rescued Winchester, he had been shot… not once, but twice. After spotting Winchester walking through a Polk County neighborhood, the local Sheriff's department contacted us to see if we could bring him to Gatorland. No one knows exactly when or how he was shot, but we do know he didn’t deserve it just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now, he's fully healed and living life to the fullest.
Wekiva Willy
Rescued in 2024 — The Wekiva area is known for beautiful springs that bring together locals and tourists, but alligators also call this area home. Wekiva Willy happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and wandered into a swimming hole in an RV park. A trapper was called, but instead of euthanizing, he contacted Gatorland Global, and we brought him to Gatorland to live out his life in Alligator Paradise.
Bogey
Rescued in 2019 — This giant alligator enjoyed sunning himself on the 4th hole of a West Palm Beach golf course, keeping everyone from making “par” on the hole and giving the phrase “play it where it lies" a dangerous outcome. Hence, his name is Bogey. Despite his ‘score killing’ presence on the golf course, folks loved him and hated to see him get euthanized in the nuisance Alligator Program. Gatorland Global came to the rescue and convinced trappers to bring him to Gatorland to live out the rest of his life in Alligator Paradise.
Maverick
Rescued in 2022 — Maverick was rescued from Lakeland, FL. He started swimming closer to boats and the lake shores, causing locals to worry. Instead of being euthanized, he was relocated to Gatorland thanks to the partnership between Gatorland Global and local trappers. With him being such a good-looking alligator and "Top Gun 2" being released around the same time, we decided to name him "Maverick." With his intensity and tenacity, the name was a perfect fit!
Larry
Rescued in 2019 — Larry was quite the celebrity in a retirement community called the Villages. We think Larry decided to retire at the Villages because he was getting lots of free food from the residents, which is not only against the law, but it caused Larry to lose his fear of humans, which was incredibly dangerous for both Larry and the humans. Being so popular, Larry had his own Facebook page, and no one wanted to see him euthanized, so they contacted Gatorland Global. Now, he now lives in our main lake where people can feed him every day... legally!
Turnpike
Rescued in 2019 — Turnpike was rescued after trying to cross the Florida Turnpike. Problem is, gators don’t walk very fast, and unfortunately Turnpike lost a leg trying to cross the road. Gatorland Global was able to provide treatment and release him in one of Gatorland's lakes. Now he’s doing great and living out his best life in Alligator Paradise.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
As part of Gatorland Global’s mission to protect, conserve, and educate, we work to educate others on alligator and crocodile conservation in their habitats around the world.
We bring this mission to life through engaging displays at Gatorland, visits to local schools, and global outreach with our partners, which involves hands-on work in local communities to replace fear with respect, and teach people how to live alongside alligators and crocodiles.
With the help of our global partners, we have expanded our education outreach to new communities. One of our 2024 focus areas was crocodile safety education in Jamaica. During visits to our partner in Jamaica, our team conducts school programs to challenge deep-rooted fears of crocodiles, which have fueled poaching and population decline despite the animal’s historic place on Jamaica’s coat of arms. By shifting perceptions, we spark local cooperation and drive conservation forward.
