GATORLAND

Florida's Fourth Estate is taking a walk on the wild side.

9 things to do this weekendORLANDO, Fla. — Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Mess Fest will take place at the center on Saturday and Sunday. The Big Cat Summer Sip & Stroll is taking place at the Central Florida Animal Reserve on Sunday. Gatorland is hosting its Gatorpalooza Fun Fest this weekend. There will be music, food, a silent auction and door prizes.

Deep in the heart of Florida (and the heart of alligator mating season), the best attraction in town is throwing a party. Gatorland's Gatorpalooza returns...

The wild and popular Gatorpalooza event is returning to the “Alligator Capital of the World.”

ORLANDO, Fla. — Alligator mating season is upon us and with more people enjoying the spring weather, Gatorland is offering safety tips to the public. Alligators can be found in any body of water in the state of Florida and can be found in all 67 counties across The Sunshine State. Most alligator mating takes place in May and June, with nesting in late June and July. Read: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson reveals new wax figure coming to OrlandoHere are some important tips to keep in mind:· Be aware of your surroundings. You can report any alligator concerns by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Gatorland, the “alligator capital of the world,” says the giant reptiles are becoming a little more active across its theme park.

Valentine’s Day has gone and past, but love is still in the air right now for some saltwater crocodiles, or “salties” as they’re called, at Gatorland.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The history of Gatorland in Orlando and its connection with crocodiles took a bite out of one contestant’s chance for money but proved lucrative for another last week. The popular Orlando attraction was one of the clues Friday night in the Americana category. Watch it below:The Very Best Alligator & Crocodile park in the world. 🙌🙌🙌 Like & share & tag a friend who lives Gatorland‼️ Posted by Gatorland Orlando on Friday, January 28, 2022Bonecrusher “ruled Gatorland in the 1950s and 1960s” after he was brought to the park, according to its website. READ: ‘Jeopardy!’ champion Amy Schneider robbed in OaklandClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gatorland is extending its Florida resident discount through the end of February. By showing proof of residency, you can get into the 110-arce theme park for one day at half price. READ: Florida state troopers corral 12-foot gator on Alligator AlleyThe theme park is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.To learn more about the offer, click here. READ: Record number of manatees counted at Blue Spring State ParkExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Gatorland hatchlings Every day, more and more gator hatchlings are emerging at Gatorland. (Gatorland)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

The alligator capital of the world is extending its special ticket deal for Florida residents.

Gatorland is celebrating a successful turnout in its Winter CrocFest 2021 fundraising event.

Get your holiday on at Gatorland.

Gatorland has announced a series of sharp-toothed special offers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Alligators usually occupy center stage at Orlando attraction Gatorland, but in December it'll be crocodiles' time to shine. On Saturday, Dec. 11, Gatorland is putting...

For the entire month of November, Gatorland is offering veterans as well as active and retired military free admission to its park.

Maluma’s ‘Papi Juancho’ tour brought a blend of reggaeton and pop to the Amway Center20 Orlando area corn mazes and pumpkin patches to explore this fallThis Florida home comes with a bloody Halloween mural in one of the bedroomsGatorland’s ‘Gators, Ghosts & Goblins’ brings Halloween to the best Orlando attractionEx-Magic player Victor Oladipo’s Orlando home (complete with massive sneaker closet) just soldCrummy Gummy’s portraits showcase Orlando’s LGBTQ art kids

Gatorland has quietly chugged along as one of the best ways to spend a day in Orlando for over half a century. That hasn't changed with the advent of spooky season. On select days this month, the zoo goes horrific for "Gators, Ghosts & Goblins." Orlando Weekly got a sneak peek of the offerings including, monster museums, cryptozoology exhibits, haunted performers and an undead polka band. Check out the photos and head to Gatorland's website for more info.

Gatorland announces return of "Gators, Ghosts and Goblins" event

Central Florida attractions are joining Disney World in its celebration of 50 historic years.

Gatorland The theme park announced its first American Alligator hatchlings of the season on Monday. (Gatorland)ORLANDO, Fla. — Every day, more and more gator hatchlings are emerging at Gatorland. The theme park announced its first American Alligator hatchlings of the season on Monday. The gators typically lay between 35 to 40 eggs, which take 60 to 65 days to hatch. About six weeks after they are born, they get to live in their own resort at Gatorland’s Baby Gator Swamp with other baby gators and turtles.

There is some big news happening at the “Alligator Capital of the World.”

Unlike the bitey logs that call their park home, venerable roadside zoo Gatorland is upping their visibility. The Orlando attraction will sponsor a car in...

Nothing says Florida like NASCAR and an American alligator.

Gatorland are bringing back their Gators, Ghosts and Goblins for a third year this Halloween and it will definitely bring both the creepies and the crawlies....

Fans across the world are going crazy about the new Disney+, Marvel series, Loki.

The park recently launched an all-new alligator adoption program.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gatorland announced it welcomed its first rescue alligator of 2021 through its Gatorland Global dedicated conservation program. The 11-foot male alligator was living near Fellsmere on the Indian River near a boat ramp. Let’s face it, Gatorland is alligator paradise and this lucky gator just won the lotto.”READ: Rescued alligators from Midwest find warm forever home in Central FloridaGatorland is giving fans a chance to adopt its newest addition. Anyone interested in adopting the gator can go to the Gatorland Facebook page and post a comment at the bottom of this video. READ: Don’t be gator bait: Safety tips for alligator mating season in FloridaThe winner will need to provide an adoption donation of $500 that will go to fund alligator rescue and conservation work through Gatorland Global, the park said.

A look into frog folklore regarding rain patterns in Central Florida.

Businesses in Orlando's tourist district are attempting to staff up for the busy summer season but facing a shortage of applications.

The Animal Legal Defense has joined Gatorland offering a reward for information.

A Gatorland expert joins Matt and Ginger to talk about alligator mating season and more.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As alligator mating season begins in Florida, it’s important to be “gator aware” to avoid possible injury or death. The alligator experts at Gatorland have shared some advice to help people avoid the dangerous reptiles while enjoying the outdoors. Watch: Monstrous alligator strolls Florida golf course- DO NOT FEED the gators. In Florida, it’s illegal to feed or harass an alligator. Watch: Deputies free alligator from storm drain in FloridaYou can also report any alligator concerns by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Don't miss the annual Gatorpalooza at Gatorland.

Experts at Orlando’s famous roadside attraction, Gatorland, are busy educating the public about the mating season of Florida’s popular reptiles.

Gatorland is joining the search for the person or people who left a gator in Seminole county with its mouth and eyes taped shut.

Since a humble Orlando tree frog became the new Cadbury Bunny earlier this year, let's keep the local mascot momentum going as a Central Florida...

Vote now: Orlando’s most loved animal could be on a Frontier Airline jet

Last month I shared some encouraging signs of recovery at Orlando's attractions, and those small shoots have become full-blown blossoms ahead of spring's arrival. Construction on Universal's Epic Universe has officially resumed, Walt Disney World's theme park reservations are booked solid with spring breakers, and all signs are pointing toward a blockbuster summer travel season. Brickbeard's Watersports Stunt Show debuted at Legoland Florida as part of February's Pirate Fest Weekends, and performances of the new show continue daily at the park's lakeside amphitheater. With or without the plastic pirate shtick, that's a tradition worth passing on to the next generation. Don't worry, you should be perfectly safe ... just so long as you don't smell like plastic or goldfish.

ORLANDO, Fla. – If you live in Central Florida, alligators can show up anytime, anywhere. (Scroll down to see which Florida lakes have the most “bull” alligators.) While gator encounters often make headlines, News 6 wanted to know just how frequent are those sightings, and where are Florida alligators spotted the most? News 6 found, at least once a day on average, Florida alligators and human habitats collide. That is considered “bull gator” status, and locally, Lake Poinsett on the St. Johns River, Lake Kissimmee in Osceola County, and Lake Jesup in Seminole County had the largest population of “bull” alligators (or alligators longer than nine feet).

ORLANDO, Fla – Gatorland is extending its popular Florida resident special. Now through Feb. 15, guests can visit the alligator capital of the world for just $9.99 for single-day admission. The park has a large collection of alligators, a free-flight aviary, a petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, the thrilling Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and the new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure. Guests must show proof of Florida residency when purchasing the special offer at Gatorland’s admission gates. The theme park is also allowing guests to apply the cost of admission toward an annual pass, which includes a number of benefits.

ORLANDO, Fla – Gatorland has brought back its most popular Florida resident special, but only for a limited time. The theme park said guests can visit the alligator capital of the world for just $9.99 for single-day admission. The park has a large collection of alligators, a free-flight aviary, a petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, the thrilling Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and the new Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure. Guests must show proof of Florida residency when purchasing the special offer at Gatorland’s admission gates. The theme park is also allowing guests to apply the cost of admission toward an annual pass, which includes a number of benefits.

ORLANDO, Fla – Christmas in Florida would not be complete without a Christmas tree surrounded by dozens of hungry alligators. The popular wildlife park is beginning its first annual Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down Christmas event this weekend. [TRENDING: Animal nearly severs woman’s arm at Carole Baskin’s rescue | CDC: Avoid travel to Mexico | Brightline targets 2022 for OIA station]“We are so excited to be presenting our very first holiday event this year. The theme park will also offer holiday food items for purchase throughout the park. The holiday event is included with regular admission and runs Dec. 5, 6, 13, 14, 19 and 20.

Gatorland is showing its appreciation to veterans, as well as active and retired military personnel, with free admission starting Nov. 11. [TRENDING: Donald Trump wins Florida | US presidential race results | Floridians vote to raise minimum wage to $15/hour]Four family members with the veteran or active military member will also receive 20% off admission. The veteran’s free admission deal lasts through Nov. 30. Also in November, Gatorland is offering anyone 50% off its Greater Gator Package. For $20.21 you can get admission to the park, an alligator meet-n-greet, unlimited train rides and gator chow to feed those hungry beasts.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Gatorland Orlando is celebrating Halloween all month long with its second annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins event. Though this year things are different because of the pandemic, visitors can expect a lot of social distancing. Though SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular event was not canceled this year. The Halloween event takes place every weekend in October and ends November 1. “We’ve been running a very safe park for the last four five months and people should feel comfortable coming out here,” McHugh said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Gatorland has been around for 71 years and current CEO Mark McHugh says they have never seen anything like what the coronavirus pandemic. It has weathered hurricanes, tornadoes, recessions and even a fire that burned down its main building some 14 years ago. While nothing could prepare them for the coronavirus, Gatorland was somehow prepared to take care of its 190 employees though it all. “Most of them were at home, sheltering in place, taking care of themselves and their families," McHugh said. Listen to the full episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate on iTunes here or on Sticher here.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Gatorland reopened to park guests on Saturday after getting approval from the Governor and Orange County mayor earlier this week. RELATED: Gatorland announces reopening date alongside Universal, other attractionsThe theme park reopened for the first time Saturday morning since closing on March 18 due to COVID-19. McHugh said people lined up outside the park an hour and a half before it was set to open. The park got approval from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Governor Ron DeSantis to reopen. "It's nerve-wracking, but with social distancing and stuff I think everything will be fine," Perry said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Gatorland will reopen its doors to the public just in time for Memorial Day weekend. By entering Gatorland, guests must agree to the following: They do not have a fever, cough or other symptoms of COVID-19. They will endeavor to maintain social distancing from other groups. The attraction also introduced what it’s calling “The Gatorland Social Distancing Skunk Ape,” a character that aims to take social distancing efforts to the next level, according to the release. MORE: Skunk Ape: Here’s how Gatorland will enforce social distancingGatorland is the fourth attraction to announce its opening date Friday.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Announcements came Friday that several Central Florida attractions -- Universal Orlando, Fun Spot and Gatorland, to name a few -- were planning to open in the near future, but that doesnt mean the local impact of the coronavirus pandemic is over. Pino said right now, the county is seeing about 20 to 30 cases a day. Before being allowed to open, those attractions were required to present plans to Orange Countys Economic Recovery Task Force that included restrictions meant to prevent a second wave of coronavirus cases. With the cumulative total of cases in Orange County at 1,744 and a positivity rate of 2.9%, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said hes optimistic that the region wont see a spike in infections. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

The Orlando Business Journal reported that SeaWorld's interim CEO Mark Swanson offered up June as their earliest possible opening date, with an all-clear nod then needing a few weeks to get employees back. George Kalogridis played his cards a little closer to the chest, per ClickOrlando . He talked about eventual plans to reopen at around 20 percent capacity as Disneyland Shanghai is currently doing. Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer John Sprouls pointed to the opening of CityWalk as an indicator of success of Universal's new guidelines. DeSantis.Disney execUniversal Orlando is moving more quickly, with word coming from the Sentinel that the park will be submitting its reopening plan to Demings' Economic Recovery Task Force today, making them the first major theme park to do so.

ICON Park, Gatorland, Fun Spot America receive initial approval from tourism working groupPublished: May 20, 2020, 7:22 pmNearly a dozen other area attractions will seek approval for reopening from county leadership before plans are submitted to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

click to enlarge Photo courtesy GatorlandOrlando's Gatorland attraction, closed since March due to the coronavirus, is doing much more than hoping guests follow social distancing recommendations when the park reopens. That's why they've released a "Social Distancing Skunk Ape" to show that getting too close to other people right now really stinks. click to enlarge Photo courtesy GatorlandSavanah Boan with the Social Distancing Skunk ApeThe park hasn't announced a reopening date yet, but says it's happening "very soon," once state and local authorities give the go-ahead. "He tends to be more elusive than his cousin, Bigfoot, is 'insistent that you stay distant,' and reminds guests to stay six feet apart. "Skunk Ape is uniquely qualified on keeping people apart," says Mark McHugh, Gatorlands president and CEO.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Some of Orange County’s smaller attractions said they have strong guidelines in place for keeping guests safe, and they want to open by the end of the week. Leaders from Fun Spot America, Gatorland and Icon Park presented their plans to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force on Monday. “Our priority is number one the customer’s safety comes first,” said Chris Jaskiewicz with Icon Park. “Keep things clean and keep people healthy.”All three parks have been closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Our goal is to seek approval from the task force and from Mayor Demings and open our park this Saturday, May 23,” said Mark McHugh with Gatorland.

ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s been almost two months since Gatorland Orlando closed its doors due to the pandemic. Now with the news of Universal's CityWalk and Disney Springs partially reopening, workers say they are ready to reopen whenever they get the green light. Gatorland Orlando, along with other local attractions like Fun Spot America and Icon Park submitted letters to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings asking to be included in phase two of the governor's reopening plan. Employees at Gatorland Orlando have safety measures already set up throughout the park-like 6 feet place holders on the ground and signs with new restrictions for guests. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Gatorland might be closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but you can still visit the “Alligator Capital of the World” virtually. According to a news release from Gatorland, a reopening date has not been determined, as the situation regarding the pandemic continues to rapidly develop. So until we can open our doors and welcome all our fans back to Gatorland, we’ll see you later, Alligator!”The virtual visits begin Wednesday. Click here to see when Gatorland goes live on Facebook. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.

ORLANDO, Fla. – This week on “Florida’s Fourth Estate,” News 6 anchors Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden explore Florida’s vigorous wildlife population with a little help from a local expert. Brandon Fisher, from Gatorland, stops by to talk to the anchors about gators and snakes. In Austin’s own words, here’s how this week’s episode goes down:“Two scaly critters arrive in the podcast studio. Learn a little and laugh a lot during this week’s episode of “Florida’s Fourth Estate.”Watch Florida’s Fourth Estate in the video player at the top of this story or download the episode on Apple Podcasts. Florida’s Fourth Estate podcast with Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin looks at everything from swampy politics to a fragile environment and even the crazy headlines that make Florida the craziest state in the Union.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Gatorland debuted its White Gator Swamp on Friday, which the park says is now the largest breeding facility for white alligators in the world. The habitat, made up of three natural exhibits, features two male leucistic alligators, one male albino and two female albino alligators. The facility was built to allow only filtered sunlight in, because of the sensitive skin of the white gators. "We've spent a lot of time designing and researching and developing this beautiful facility," McHugh said. Gatorland is also asking for help naming three baby albino alligators.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Now's your chance to help News 6 weekend morning anchor Amanda Castro pick the baby costume for her first baby's first Halloween. That's a lot of firsts for Amanda and baby Andrew. [VOTE: Cast your ballot for your favorite costume]This year's contest is sponsored by Gatorland, so when you vote, you're automatically entered to win a family four-pack of tickets to the world-famous park. To honor our friends at Gatorland, what better way to celebrate Halloween than with adorable animal costumes? [VOTE: Cast your ballot for your favorite costume]Be sure to vote by Friday, October 25 to be included in the final decision.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Gatorland debuted its White Gator Swamp on Friday, which the park says is now the largest breeding facility for white alligators in the world. The habitat, made up of three natural exhibits, features two male leucistic alligators, one male albino and two female albino alligators. The facility was built to allow only filtered sunlight in, because of the sensitive skin of the white gators. "We've spent a lot of time designing and researching and developing this beautiful facility," McHugh said. Their white skin is very sensitive to sunlight."

Albert and Albert made a special visit to Gatorland before this weekend's big football game between the Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

Get ready for down-home family fun at The Alligator Capital of the World -- Gatorland! We even have the largest collection of extremely rare white leucistic alligators. But, Gatorland is more than just a gator park! Our free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, thrilling Screamin Gator Zip Line and new Stompin Gator Off-Road Adventure ensure your day will be chock-full of fun, smiles and special memories! Gatorland is also Floridas leader in alligator safety and education since 1949.Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

The same, unnatural scene of alligators approaching people on the shore can occur when wild alligators are fed by humans, according to Fisher. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently issued a $100 citation to Paul Fortin for allegedly feeding wildlife. "We don't want people feeding alligators," said Fisher. In addition, Florida outlaws the feeding of other animals such as bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and nonhuman primates. "We don't want anybody feeding wildlife," FWC spokesman Chad Weber said.