Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World®,” and its Gatorland Global™ International Conservation Organization, have rescued another Florida alligator to save its life and provide a forever home in alligator paradise. The 9-feet-long, 200-pound male alligator, approximately 25 years old, had been seen in recent months in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Gainesville with a bungee cord tightly wrapped around its top jaw. Trapper Ron Sanderson was able to safely bring the alligator, now affectionately named Bungee, to his new home at Gatorland.
“Someone tried to catch this alligator with a bungee cord, which became deeply imbedded in his top jaw. This was an extremely dangerous situation for Bungee and could have eventually killed him. People were illegally feeding him and he came right up out of the water to take food from the trapper,” explained Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland.
At Gatorland, the bungee cord was successfully removed and veterinarian Dr. James Bogan rendered medical care and a thorough exam. Bungee joins more than 100 rescue alligators that are part of the Gatorland family.
“We are so excited to give Bungee a second chance to recover and thrive with us here at Gatorland, and we are incredibly grateful to Ron Sanderson for his months of hard work to catch Bungee and bring him to us. That’s what Gatorland Global is all about. It’s passionately engaging in alligator and crocodile conservation, and teaching others how important these animals are to our animal kingdom.”
Almost two years ago, Gatorland and Gatorland Global made headlines worldwide with its rescue of an alligator missing its entire top jaw, which the park lovingly named Jawlene. Now growing and thriving at Gatorland, she has become an internet sensation.
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. In January 2025, Gatorland sought to formalize and advance its reach to save alligators and crocodiles through the official development of Gatorland Global as a 501(c)(3) non-profit to provide dedicated resources to help conservation organizations locally and around the world. For more information on Gatorland Global or to make a contribution, go to www.gatorlandglobal.org
Gatorland combines Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2024. Today the iconic park provides affordably priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, popular capybara encounter, a free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant, and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters. Popular adventure experiences include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, and the Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure.
The 125-acre award-winning theme park has been voted by Orlando Weekly readers the Best Attraction That’s Not a Theme Park every year since 2016, Best Wildlife Preserve 2023 by Orlando Style Magazine, and Best Hidden Gem 2023 by Watermark Magazine. In addition, the Screamin’ Gator Zipline has been voted “Best Zipline in the USA” by AOL Travel and “Best Zipline or Ropes Course in Orlando” by Orlando Weekly readers every year since 2019.
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