With more than 200 alligators living in our Gator Pond inside our Gator and Wildlife Park, neighboring Lake Cypress with more wild, scaly friends, it’s no secret we know a thing or two about alligators. To share this knowledge, raise awareness, and share our passion for this fascinating, yet misunderstood creature, we'll be hosting our first ever Gator Week and giving everyone free admission into our Gator Park starting May 1st through May 6th!
To many, alligators are simply fierce carnivores on the hunt, but that’s not actually the case. Like many creatures who might've picked up a bad rap over the years, myths develop based on a lack of knowledge. Because of this, we've decided to dedicate an entire week to educating and debunking many common myths surrounding these reptiles through live demonstrations and interactive experiences. To help you plan your visit, check out our schedule below to see what you can expect each day of Gator Week (subject to change, but we hope it won't!)...
GATOR WEEK SCHEDULE
May 1 – Alligator vs. Watermelon: Who will win?
Alligators have one of the strongest jaws of all living animals, with a bite force of 16,460 newtons (that’s A LOT). Experience this power with a live demonstration of alligators smashing watermelons between those jaws at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
May 2 – Alligator Jump-a-thon!
Live Radio Broadcast by 103.1 The Wolf and Gator Jump-a-thon. Demonstrations will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., showing off the true power of these animals, and just how high they can jump to catch their prey!
May 3 – David Martin talks "gator" with Andrew Biddle
Fox 35’s David Martin will be live on-air interacting with alligators.
May 4 – Ready to meet Darth Gator?
“May the 4th” be with the alligators at Wild Florida. Come decked out in your Star Wars gear and Darth Gator costumes, as the best costume will win a grand prize! (Need to specify with Sam on what prize is.)
May 5 – Viva el Gator Week!
It’s Cinco de Mayo! Come prepared to photograph animals throughout the park in their festive gear and share your animal memes on social media for a chance to win prizes.
May 6 – It's the last day of Gator Week, but first... let me take a selfie!
Hold Fluffy, our spokesgator, for a FREE gator photo!
In addition to the Gator Week activities in the park, Wild Florida will offer a daily buffet in our Cypress Ballroom for $24.99 per person from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, and we're showing Lake Placid (edited for all ages) every day in the ballroom from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Be sure to follow Wild Florida on social media for updates, fun polls, educational tidbits, and giveaways throughout the week. Also, check out www.GatorWeek.com for a full schedule of activities. Learn even more by getting out on the water and glide across the headwaters of the Everglades on an airboat ride in Florida, as our captains point out various wildlife and vegetation during your adventure.
But, that's not even the best part! Along with with free admission into the Gator and Wildlife Park during Gator Week, we're also offering 20% off ALL our airboat tickets! Make sure to use the code 'GATORWEEK' when you book your Florida airboat ride for May 1st through May 6th!
