Latest news with #GatorlandGlobal
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gatorland launches global conservation nonprofit to save Alligators and Crocodiles
ORLANDO, Fla. (BLOOM) — Gatorland, the Orlando-based wildlife park known as the 'Alligator Capital of the World,' officially launched Gatorland Global™, an international conservation nonprofit aimed at protecting alligators in Florida and crocodiles across the globe. The organization, which was originally founded in 2018, was formalized this year as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Its mission is to conserve, protect and educate—by rescuing at-risk reptiles, supporting global conservation efforts, and teaching the public about the ecological importance of these ancient animals. '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,' said Mark McHugh, Gatorland's president and CEO. 'From rescuing nuisance alligators locally to supporting endangered crocodilian species globally, this is our next step in making a lasting impact.' In Florida, the organization works with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and licensed trappers to save so-called nuisance alligators—some up to 50 years old—that would otherwise be euthanized and harvested for their meat and hides. These animals are instead relocated to Gatorland's expansive lakes, where they live out their lives in safety. The park has rescued more than 100 alligators to date. One of the most well-known rescues is Jawlene, a malnourished alligator found in Sanford in 2023 with her entire upper jaw missing. Now a viral sensation, she has gained six pounds, grown three inches, and lives in a custom habitat alongside Nelly Wafer, a rare albino turtle. Internationally, Gatorland Global supports conservation projects in Cuba, Jamaica and Venezuela. These include work with Cuban crocodile preservationists at the Zapata Swamp, breeding and release programs in Jamaica's Holland Bay Sanctuary, and efforts to protect Venezuela's critically endangered Orinoco crocodile through the Back to Llanos Project. Two Orinoco hatchlings raised at Gatorland will be released in Venezuela this year. Gatorland Global's educational outreach is also expanding. In 2024, it reached 32,000 students with wildlife presentations and raised $45,000 to support conservation efforts. It also partnered with Save A Fox Rescue to save three red fox siblings from a fur farm. '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,' said Savannah Boan, international ambassador for the organization. Founded in 1949, Gatorland today spans 125 acres and remains a popular family-friendly attraction featuring thousands of reptiles, educational shows, and unique adventure experiences like the Screamin' Gator Zipline and Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure. In 2024, the park celebrated its 75th anniversary. For more information or to contribute to the conservation efforts, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gatorland Global's conservation efforts reach new milestone with nonprofit status
KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Gatorland is expanding their conservation efforts as the popular adventure theme park announces Gatorland Global has secured 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status. What we know Gatorland Global, the international conservation arm of Gatorland in Orlando, has officially secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The park, known for its work with alligators and crocodiles, has been working toward this goal since 2018. WATCH: Gatorland - Into The Swamp (FOX Local Original) With this new designation, the organization can now accept donations and expand its global conservation projects more effectively. What we don't know While the park has announced its first official donation will go to Conservation Florida on May 1, the exact amount of that donation remains undisclosed. It is also unclear how the nonprofit status may change day-to-day operations at the park or whether new partnerships are being pursued as a result. The backstory Gatorland has long been involved in rescuing and rehabilitating alligators and crocodiles. In 2023 alone, the park saved 100 nuisance alligators from being euthanized. The organization's leadership has emphasized that many of the animals on-site owe their survival to these ongoing efforts, led by staff like Savannah Boan, who has been with Gatorland for years. Big picture view This shift positions Gatorland Global to be a more influential player in wildlife conservation beyond Florida. The organization partners with global researchers and projects to protect both endangered species and their habitats, which are increasingly threatened by human encroachment. Their international work includes the reintroduction of critically endangered species like the Orinoco crocodile into the wild. Timeline Efforts to become a non-profit began in 2018. As of now, Gatorland Global's new nonprofit status is active, and its first official act under this designation—a donation to Conservation Florida—is set for May 1. Future plans include international releases and broader educational outreach. What they're saying The Gatorland team has been working toward this goal since 2018. Savannah Boan, international ambassador of Gatorland Global said many of the resident alligators at the park wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for the Gatorland Global International Conservation Organization. "I feel like all my years of work, and all my years at Gatorland have finally come to this apex right now and from here we're just going to take off and do so much great stuff," Boan said. Last year, Gatorland rescued 100 nuisance alligators from euthanasia. Mark McHugh, president & CEO of Gatorland, said their efforts to protect Florida gators are further strengthened with their not-for-profit status. "Our mission is very simple: to protect, conserve and educate," said McHugh. "At any given time, we have about 2,500 alligators and crocodiles throughout the park." McHugh said their conservation efforts don't stop at the state line. "All over the globe, we're working with researchers and projects that are trying to save those animals, and more importantly, trying to save their dwindling habitats from human encroachment," McHugh said. Boan just came back from Cuba. Soon, she will be heading to Venezuela with two Orinoco crocodiles – the most critically endangered of their species. Raised at Gatorland, they will be released into their natural habitat. It's a huge win for conservation, said Boan. "That's the goal, that's the one that fills my heart with so much joy," Boan said. "When I'm able to take this animal, and it was hatched out at an amazing facility, and now it's going to be a wild crocodile, and it's going to be out there and increase the population and distribution, it's just an amazing, amazing thing!" What's next According to Boan, Gatorland Global's first official donation as a 501(c)(3) organization will happen on Thursday, May 1. Gatorland Global will be donating an undisclosed amount of money to Conservation Florida. According to the group's website, they work to connect and protect the Florida wildlife corridor from Pensacola to the Florida Keys. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Mark McHugh, president & CEO of Gatorland, and Savannah Boan, international ambassador of Gatorland Global.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gatorland Global conservation effort achieves not-for-profit status
Gatorland, the long-standing Orlando animal attraction, has made its Gatorland Global conservation effort an official 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Gatorland Global acts locally and internationally, protecting and rescuing alligators in Florida while also acting outside the U.S. with efforts in nations such as Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela and Colombia. Formally becoming a not-for-profit allows the group to provide dedicated resources to conservation groups. Gatorland Global was established in 2018. 'Internationally, Gatorland Global supports several research facilities and sanctuaries to conserve critically endangered crocodilians and their dwindling habitats,' Mark McHugh, president and CEO of Gatorland, said in a news release. '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.' Gatorland Global also partners with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and trappers to rescue wild alligators that might be sold for hides and meat otherwise. It has saved more than 100 alligators and relocated them to the attraction, which has been open on Orange Blossom Trail since 1949. Jawlene eating, adjusting to her new life at Gatorland This year, Gatorland experts will travel to Venezuela to release two Orinoco crocodiles raised since they were hatchlings at the attraction. Savannah Boan, Gatorland Global international ambassador, travels with Gatorland team members several times a year for collaborations. 'Gatorland Global builds lasting relationships and shares vital knowledge that helps protect Florida wildlife and wildlife around the world,' Boan said. For more information, go to Gatorland salutes rescue animals with Walk of Fame Email me at dbevil@ BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at Picture it: 75 years of Gatorland history
