Gatorland Orlando Alligator Walk of Fame honors famous reptile rescues

ORLANDO, Florida. – Of the more than 2,000 alligators that live in Gatorland Orlando, 100 have been rescued; a select group of these animals are considered famous.

As part of its conservation milestone, the “Alligator Capital of the World” is honoring famous alligators the park has saved from certain euthanasia over the past five years and dedicating a Celebrity Alligator Hall of Fame.

Since 2002, Gatorland has partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to rescue large alligators that pose a threat to the public.

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“We were able to change wildlife regulations to allow Gatorland to purchase large, nuisance alligators from state trappers and give them a ‘forever’ home in our vast lakes,” said Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland. “We are so proud to be a world leader in alligator rescue, conservation, education and safety. Our new Alligator Walk of Fame is a fun way for our guests to see some of the ‘celebrity’ alligators saved through our conservation programs with Gatorland Global.”

Below are the celebrity alligators featured in the Alligator Hall of Fame and their backstories:

Chester the Mississippi alligator was rescued in Tampa in 2002.

Larry was rescued in the Villages in 2019 after being fed by many people and becoming too comfortable being around people. The trapper only had to call his name and he would approach him.

Turnpike, found on the Florida Turnpike in 2020. He lost a leg while crossing the highway.

Bogey was found on a golf course in Florida in 2020. He gave new meaning to the phrase “play your ball where it lies.”

Terminator was found in Fellsmere, Florida in 2021. He was hanging out at a boat ramp where people wouldn’t stop feeding him.

Winchester was found wandering in a backyard in Mulberry, Florida. Trappers noticed that he had been shot twice.

Jawlene, who was missing her upper jaw, was found in Sanford, Florida after a woman took a photo of her that went viral. She beat all odds for survival and now lives in Gatorland.

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