How close do you dare get to an alligator? Closer than you think at ©Gatorland
I’ve always loved reptiles and amphibians. I’m sure that’s because frogs, toads and turtles were plentiful in the small Midwestern town I grew up in.
I never encountered alligators or crocodiles until I moved down South, but I love to watch these beautiful wonders of evolution that have endured for more than 150 million years—from a distance of course.
Or maybe not. One of my first experiences at Gatorland was the Gator Feeding Dock, where my guide brought out a bucket of thawed chicken legs, so I’d have the chance to chuck them out into the water and give the gators a snack. I got so caught up in the fun that before I knew it, there was a gator about a foot away. Reminder to heed Gatorland’s No. 1 rule of alligator safety: Pay attention to your surroundings.
The proximity of the gators didn’t diminish the experience—on the contrary, it enhanced it—but it did give me heightened awareness of how I should interact with the gators, which is never a bad thing. If you want to watch a fun video on the subject, you can find one by Gatorland President & CEO Mark McHugh on Gatorland’s website. The tips may seem like common sense, but as indicated by my actions above, you can see how easy it is to forget them when you’re caught up in a moment.
Gatorland has been around for 75 years and is an Orlando institution. Its iconic alligator open-jaw entrance was conceptualized and built by Frank Godwin, son of Gatorland’s founder, Owen Godwin. It’s been featured in movies, on TV, magazines, you name it, and is still a popular draw today, as evidenced by the family of four who were taking pictures with it when I arrived before the park opened.
The Gator Jumparoo. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
There are so many interactive things to do at Gatorland. It may seem strange saying that when the main attraction is the 2,500 alligators and crocodiles that call Gatorland home, but there’s a new surprise around every turn. Take the capybara habitat, where you’ll find the adorable Mochi, Boba, Chai and Latte waiting to have their bellies rubbed and their backs scratched. If you can catch them before they jump into the water for a swim.
Gatorland is one of the only places in Central Florida you’re able to pet a capybara, the world’s largest rodent, which is native to South America. Aside from becoming an internet sensation (thanks to TikTok), they’re supremely adorable. Make sure this is on your agenda, and don’t forget your camera, as you’ll want to take lots of photos and video. Just don’t get close to their teeth.
Photo by Roberto Gonzalez
Who can resist a giant tortoise? Not me, and I doubt you’ll be able to too. Luckily, Gatorland has three of the largest tortoise species in the world. Carve out some time to feed Lucy, a 300-pound Galapagos tortoise, Dean, a 600-pound Aldabra tortoise and Kendrick, a 200-pound Sulcata African Spurred Tortoise.
There’s so much to do at the 110-acre Gatorland, so grab a map, plan out your day and take your time. Don’t miss Mystic, the only extremely rare white, leucitic alligator hatched in captivity, sweet Jawlene, a rescue missing part of her upper jaw and the show that made Gatorland famous, the hilarious Gator Jumparoo—and, for those with the intestinal fortitude, take a zipline over the alligator breeding marsh. gatorland.com
