History of Gatorland
Founded in 1949 by Owen Godwin, Gatorland has since become a beloved attraction, drawing visitors from all over. Originally a simple roadside attraction, it has grown into a massive 100-acre park, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences. In 2004, Hurricane Charley caused significant damage to Gatorland. However, the park managed to recover and rebuild, and it continued to be a popular destination for those interested in learning about and observing alligators and crocodiles.
Gatorland is now home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles, and other species, including rare white alligators. In addition to being a tourist attraction, Gatorland has also focused on conservation and education. The park's attractions include a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and observation tower, zip lines, an off-road swamp vehicle tour, a ridable miniature railroad, alligator feeding displays, alligator wrestling shows, an aviary, a petting zoo, and educational programs. The park's breeding marsh area was utilized in the 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.