Gatorland, Orlando

Gatorland, spanning 110 acres (45 hectares), is a combination of a theme park and wildlife sanctuary located in Florida, just south of Orlando on South Orange Blossom Trail. Originating in 1949, Owen Godwin established it on what used to be cattle farmland, and it remains under the ownership of his descendants.

The park is renowned as a hub for alligators, earning it the title "Alligator Capital of the World." It showcases a vast collection of alligators, including the uncommon leucistic ones, along with crocodiles and various other creatures. Among its numerous attractions are a breeding marsh complete with a boardwalk and lookout tower, zip line adventures, an adventure-packed off-road swamp tour, a small-scale train ride, interactive alligator feeding and wrestling demonstrations, a bird sanctuary, a petting zoo, and various educational activities. The breeding marsh notably served as a filming location for the 1984 film "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."

Gatorland is recognized for its efforts in rescuing nuisance alligators that are otherwise at risk of being killed for their meat and hide. It also oversees the alligator exhibit at the Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee.

Within the park, the Gatorland Express, a narrow-gauge railroad established in 1961 and constructed by the Allan Herschell Company, stands as an attraction. The park prides itself on this railroad being the earliest amusement feature in Central Florida.

The White Gator Swamp, another highlight of the park, provides an immersive museum-like experience. Here, visitors can observe albino alligators behind a glass partition, with informational displays detailing their unique coloration, differences from typical alligators, and the history of their discovery.