Gator Week Archives - On the Go in MCO

For 10 years Wild Florida, located on Lake Cypress in Kenansville, has been sharing their passion for protecting, conserving, and enhancing Florida’s diverse ecosystem including the often misunderstood alligators.

To help share their knowledge and to foster an appreciation for some of Florida’s most misunderstood residents, Wild Florida will once again host its annual Gator Week from May 24 to 29, offering special programming with FREE Gator Park admission to everyone who brings in spare change (more on this in a moment).

During Gator Week Wild Florida focuses on educating guests, debunking common myths, and developing a more positive attitude towards these reptiles through unique experiences highlighting alligator behaviors.

Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida, announced, “We look forward to this event all year, and we’re excited to celebrate alligators with visitors in new and fun ways. From alligator cake decorating contests to gator jumpathons, we love that these demonstrations and activities build a connection between our guests and our environment in creative and unique ways.”

Highlights of Gator Week 2021

May 24, 2021: Alligator Expert – Despite their tough exterior, alligators and crocodiles get sick just the same as we do. Join Wild Florida experts in the Gator Pavilion at 1 p.m. to hear about the different ailments they experience and how they are treated.
May 26, 2021: Gator Jumpathon Contest – People often think alligators can only hunt for food that happens to go for a swim, but their powerful tails can help propel half of their body out of the water and into the air. During the Gator Jumpathon contest, you’ll get to experience what it’s like to hunt and jump for your food. Want to join the fun? Sign-up to participate! After you sign-up, a Wild Florida team member will reach out to you with the Gator Jumpathon details for the day so you’ll get to see what it’s like to jump for your food like an alligator!
May 28, 2021: “Gator Green” Pie Eating Contest – Alligators can only use their mighty jaws to bite and hold on to their food. Unlike humans, they aren’t able to pick up and grab their food with their hands. The alligator-themed pie-eating contestwill allow guests to unleash their inner alligator! Want to join the fun? Sign-up to participate! After you sign-up, a Wild Florida team member will reach out to you with the “Gator Green: Pie Eating Contest details for the day to see who can eat a green pie the fastest WITHOUT using your hands!
May 29, 2021: National Alligator Day – Earlier this year, Wild Florida helped establish a National Alligator Day to be recognized annually on May 29, giving alligators the official recognition they deserve. To celebrate, they’re throwing a huge 1st birthday party throughout their Gator Park with balloons, cupcakes, and more to celebrate the 1st EVER National Alligator Day.

This Gator Week is also extra special as Wild Florida’s adult albino alligators, Snowflake and Blizzard, have produced their third batch of eggs.

At the end of Gator Week, Wild Florida will also celebrate the inaugural #NationalAlligatorDay on Saturday, May 29th.

So what about the spare change? During Gator Week, Wild Florida is trying to collect Crusher’s (their largest alligator) weight in spare change to benefit Croc Fest.

Be sure to check out www.GatorWeek.com for the full schedule of events.

Wild Florida hosts 3rd Annual Gator Week promoting alligator conservation & family fun

It’s no secret Wild Florida knows a thing or two about alligators. To share this knowledge and passion with visitors, Wild Florida will host their 3rd Annual Gator Week May 6-11 and offer free admission for everyone to its Gator Park throughout the week.

To many, alligators are viewed as fierce carnivores on the hunt, but that’s not the case. Like many misunderstood creatures, myths develop based on a lack of knowledge and focus too much on fear. Because of this, Wild Florida decided to dedicate an entire week to educating guests, debunking common myths and developing a more positive attitude towards these reptiles.

Jordan Munns, co-owner and co-founder of Wild Florida, says, “The most common emotional response to alligators is fear and that can lead to negative outcomes for wild predators. We hope to convert that fear to a healthy respect and appreciation for these incredible animals. ”

Wild Florida’s mission has always been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation.

GATOR WEEK SCHEDULE:

May 6, 2019

Alligators and crocodiles rank in the top two for having the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom. During day one of Gator Week, this power will be displayed during a live demonstration as alligators and crocodiles smash fruits and vegetables with their jaws. Later in the day, there will also be a gator water polo game in the Gator Pond.

May 7, 2019

Just like cats and dogs, alligators make very distinct sounds that everyone can master. At 12:00 p.m. inside Wild Florida’s Exotic Animal Pavilion, Wild Florida will host a Gator Call Competition. Later on, the Wild Florida team will host their first “Clock-the-Croc” demonstration, where, using a speed timer, the team will record the speed of one of their crocodiles on land and in the water.

May 8, 2019

During day three of Gator Week at Wild Florida’s Gator Feeding Show Pavilion, the Wild Florida team will measure the bite force of a snapping turtle, freshwater crocodile, alligator, and caiman. After the bite force test, stop by the Chomp House Grill as the Wild Florida team tries to break the world record for longest gator po’ boy!

May 9, 2019

Wild Florida’s popular Gator Jumpathon returns! At 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Wild Florida’s 3rd Annual Gator Jumpathon takes place inside their Gator Pond, where you can witness the true power of these animals and see just how high they can jump to catch their prey. Then, guests will have an opportunity to jump like a gator themselves and participate in the first-ever “Gator Jump Competition.” There will also be bounce houses available for kids to enjoy throughout the day and educational seminars from experts on alligator hatching, mating and farming.

May 10, 2019

Everyone might be used to seeing alligators during the day, but what about at night? Wild Florida will stay open after dark and do a special gator feeding show with their biggest alligator, Crusher. They will also host a Wild Paint Night Out, where Wild Florida’s albino alligators Snowflake and Blizzard will be the stars of the show. Guests will get to paint these impressive animals and see them up close while enjoying a delicious buffet dinner. Wild Florida will also be offering discounted night airboat tours to give guests a unique experience of seeing how wild the swamp is in the moonlight.

May 11, 2019

Capping off another year of Gator Week, there will be a Gator Week Corn Hole and Gator Slushy Drinking Competition where the winner from each competition will win a special prize.

Wild Florida Gator Week Gators March 2017

Be sure to follow Wild Florida on social media for updates, fun polls, educational tidbits, myth-busting stories, and giveaways throughout the week.

Also, check out www.GatorWeek.com for a full schedule of activities. Admission to Wild Florida’s Gator Park is only $10 for adults; Florida residents receive a 50

percent discount year-round. Admission to the Park is free for any guest who purchases a Wild Florida airboat tour or animal encounter. Learn more about Wild Florida’s offerings at WildFL.com.

Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park, which opened on Lake Cypress in Kenansville in 2010, focuses on educating individuals about Central Florida’s natural resources. The Wild Florida team is dedicated to protecting, conserving, and enhancing Florida’s diverse ecosystem to ensure that future generations can enjoy the wonders of wild, native Florida.