ORALNDO, Fla. – Uncle Sam wants you to visit Gatorland.
During a weekend filled with patriotic spirit, Gatorland showcased its pride and dedication to rescuing nuisance alligators by welcoming a massive Florida alligator named Uncle Sam to his forever home.
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According to a news release, the 10-foot-long, 700-pound reptile was found chasing lawnmowers and landscapers in The Villages during Fourth of July weekend. Trapper Robbie Keszey brought Uncle Sam to Gatorland, where he will live out his days in a safe, alligator-friendly environment.
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Uncle Sam is the park’s second rescue from The Villages, joining Larry The Alligator, who arrived in 2019.
The Fourth of July weekend brought more excitement to Gatorland with the arrival of the park’s first American crocodile hatchlings of the year. The animal care team carefully incubated the eggs and monitored the babies as they hatched.
The tiny crocodiles, measuring seven to eight inches at birth, use a special egg tooth to break free from their shells. Some hatchlings need gentle help from staff to crack the eggs. Born ready to defend themselves, the baby crocs often emerge with mouths wide open. They will grow to about 14 feet long and weigh around 880 pounds by the time they reach seven to eight years old.
The arrival of Uncle Sam comes as the “Alligator Capital of the World” celebrates its new nonprofit status. Gatorland Global was created in 2018 with a mission to protect, conserve, and educate, and a vision to help create a world that loves and respects all animals.