Latest news with #MarkMcHugh
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
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
