Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is ringing in the New Year with the exciting addition of Marshall the Kookaburra to its animal family. Marshall, who is two years old, comes to Gatorland from a loving home in South Florida. Kookaburras are the largest members of the Kingfisher bird family, and native to Australia. Visitors to Gatorland can see Marshall in the park’s Jungle Crocs of the World where he will live near the Australian Saltwater Crocodile exhibits.
“We are thrilled to give Marshall a new home with us here at Gatorland,” said Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland. “He is so much fun, and his loud, “laughing” vocalizations will not only entertain the guests but provide additional auditory enrichment for the saltwater crocodiles. We love adding new animals to our park to entertain and educate our guests. Just a few months ago, we brought Ben and Jerry the Capybaras to Gatorland, and now Marshall. We know our visitors will love!
Florida residents will enjoy their favorite rides, shows, and exhibits such as the Alligator Breeding Marsh, White Gator Swamp, Petting Zoo, Bird Aviary, Jungle Crocs of the World, the Alligators – Legends of the Swamp and Up Close Encounters shows, and of course, Social Distancing Skunk Ape. Guests won’t want to miss Gatorland’s newest residents, Ben and Jerry, the Capybaras.
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Named Best Non-Theme Park Attraction by the readers of Orlando Magazine in the Best of ORL 2020 Reader Poll and the winner of four awards in Orlando Weekly’s Best of Orlando® 2020 Reader Poll, including Best Place To Show People the Real Orlando, Best Local Big Shot Who’s Not An Elected Official – Gatorland’s Savannah Boan, Best Attraction That’s Not A Theme Park, and Best Zip Line or Ropes Course, Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Orlando Weekly Staff Pick also named Gatorland as the Best New Theme Park Attraction this year for its Social Distancing Skunk Ape.
Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2019. Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida's best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters. Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.
