Gatorland®, the “Alligator Capital of the World®,” announces the official launch of its Gatorland Global™ International Conservation Organization as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit to protect and preserve alligators in Florida and crocodiles all over the world. Gatorland Global supports lifesaving rescues of nuisance alligators and provides much needed support for crocodilian conservation programs around the globe.
Gatorland Global was created in 2018 with a mission to Conserve, Protect 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) not-for-profit to provide dedicated resources to help conservation organizations locally and around the world.
“As the world leader in alligator safety and education since 1949, we are extremely proud to now be leading the way in global alligator and crocodile conservation through Gatorland Global,” articulated Mark McHugh, President and Chief Executive Office of Gatorland. “Locally, we protect nuisance alligators from certain death by working with state trappers to give them a home in our huge lakes. Internationally, Gatorland Global supports several research facilities and sanctuaries to conserve critically endangered crocodilians and their dwindling habitats. Globally, we educate people, schools, and communities on the importance of alligators and crocodiles to healthy ecosystems and teach people how to safely live near these dangerous, yet incredible animals.”
Partnering with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and dedicated trappers, Gatorland Global works to rescue wild Florida alligators that would otherwise be euthanized and sold for their hides and meat. These alligators may be 40 to 50 years old and were in the wrong place at the wrong time. At Gatorland, the rescued alligators are given a second chance at life, finding a forever home in the park’s expansive lakes. Gatorland Global has rescued more than 100 alligators from euthanasia, bringing them to Gatorland to live out their lives in alligator paradise. A great example of these efforts is Jawlene, who was found in Sanford, Fla. in 2023 severely malnourished and missing her entire top jaw. In Gatorland’s care and the support of Gatorland Global, her success story has gone viral and she has gained 6 lbs., she has grown 3 inches and enjoys her own special habitat with her roommate, Nelly Wafer, a rare albino turtle.
Other organizational milestones in 2024 include raising $45,000 to support our conservation goals, making educational presentations to 32,000 students, saving three red fox siblings from a fur farm through Save A Fox Rescue and actively engaging in global conservation partnerships in Cuba, Jamaica and Venezuela.
. “A powerful force for crocodilian conservation, Gatorland Global builds lasting relationships and shares vital knowledge that helps protect Florida wildlife and wildlife around the world,” explained Savannah Boan, International Ambassador for Gatorland Global. Several times a year, Boan travels with the Gatorland team for international conservation collaborations. This includes the Enterprise for the Conservation of Zapata Swamp in Cuba, a group of dedicated scientists focused on the conservation of Cuban crocodiles, Holland Bay Sanctuary which protects and conserves the American Crocodile population in Jamaica through its breeding and release programs, and the Back to Llanos Project to protect and recover the Orinoco Crocodiles, the most critically endangered crocodiles in the world and found only in the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela and the Meta River Basin in Columbia.
Gatorland has raised two Orinoco hatchlings for release into their natural habitat in Venezuela. This year, Gatorland’s croc experts will travel to Venezuela to release the Orinoco crocs, demonstrating The Gatorland Global commitment to ensuring a future for this remarkable species. “We invite you to join us on this incredible journey to conserve, protect and educate the world on the beauty, mystique, and importance of these remarkable animals that have called Planet Earth home for over 65 million years.” added McHugh.
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, 125-acre theme park and nature preserve 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 brand-new Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure.