ORLANDO, Florida – Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is making history by honoring its famous alligators.
1. The Orlando theme park is celebrating its 100th alligator rescue with a brand new Alligator Walk of Fame experience.
2. Along a wooden boardwalk, famous alligators – and their backstories – are presented Hollywood Walk of Fame-style, so guests can now learn all about their journey at a glance. “We go out and rescue these huge, pesky alligators all over the state so they don’t get euthanized,” said Mark McHugh, CEO of Gatorland.
3. The Alligator Walk of Fame currently has nine sections, each telling the story of the famous alligator. The park is building more.
4. Some examples include Winchester, who was shot with a pellet gun. Larry, who was “super famous in the Villages,” McHugh said. And then there’s Chester. “He ate some dogs in Tampa. Some big dogs,” McHugh said. “That’s why Chester got the nickname ‘Big Dog Eater.'”
5. The Walk of Fame is a way to recognize the park’s partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to help capture and remove alligators from areas where they may be considered a threat to the public. The experience is included with regular park admission.
