Wrestlin' Gators at Gatorland

 

On our last day in Orlando we decided to save the best for last...Gatorland!

Our flights didn't leave until 4:30pm so we had a good portion of the day set aside to wrestle us some gators.  We were able to see a couple in the wild during our trip, but wanted to get the up close and personal experience all the locals were telling us about.

Gatorland consisted of several different man-made ponds/lakes, each sectioned off and holding gators of all sizes.  We thought it was pretty amazing that turtles and birds were everywhere, none of which were fearful of the gators, probably due to the fact that the gators are very well fed.

 

 

After exploring some of the surrounding ponds, we made our way down to the Gator Wrestlin' Show.  The trainers were pretty funny and use different gators for each show to ensure the safety for both the audience and animals.  He showed us some pretty crazy moves, while sharing facts about the gators.  After the show we were able to wrestle our own gator (a.k.a. get our picture while sitting on the back of an Alligator.)  I'm not sure how he knew I'd be so jumpy, but right as I grabbed the gator's jaws the trainer grabbed my leg making me squeal like a little girl...he thought it was pretty funny!

There were a few different shows that we were able to watch, one being a Gator Jumping Show where gators would jump out of the water for food.  There were signs posted everywhere warning parents that it was a feeding area and that children were not to be near the railing...reassuring huh??

Gatorland has become a bird sanctuary of sorts.  At the back of the park is a large breeding lake with 100 female gators and 30 male gators.  Along the outskirts of the lake were lined with hundreds of nests from birds of all kinds.  It was such a gorgeous walk.  I loved how the wooden path was elevated off the water just high enough to allow gators to use the shade underneath.  It was crazy to be soaking up the sun, watching birds feed their babies and then look down to see a gator next to your feet.

Basically, Gatorland was a perfect way to end our QUICK trip to Florida.

Tracy and I had so much fun and are already thinking of our next girls' trip for next year!  I sure do love her and can't wait til our next adventure!