[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 131 (Friday, August 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E823-E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING GATORLAND ON THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 16, 2024

  Mr. SOTO. Mr Speaker, we recognize and honor Gatorland, the 
``Alligator Capital of the World,'' which opened in Orlando 75 years 
ago in 1949 as one of Florida's very first attractions. We also pay 
tribute to the continued dedication of the founding Godwin family and 
all the staff and employees who have made the award-winning, 125-acre 
theme park what it is today.
  Not only is this a significant milestone for Gatorland but a 
significant milestone for Florida tourism, as generations of travelers 
from across the state, the country, and the world continue to visit a 
truly special place that has distinguished itself as a unique, genuine 
Real Florida attraction. Only at Gatorland can you encounter iconic 
experiences such as the Historic Gator Jaw Entrance, Gator Jumparoo 
Show, Adventure Hour Giant Alligator Feeding, Screamin' Gator Zipline 
zooming over hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, Stompin' Gator Off-
Road Adventure, White Gator Marsh with the rarest alligators in the 
world, Alligator Breeding Marsh with Observation tower, Capybara 
Encounter on Flamingo Island and much, much more.
  A beacon of education and conservation, Gatorland has evolved as a 
worldwide leader in alligator safety, research, rescue, and protection. 
The park's conservation program--

[[Page E824]]

Gatorland Global, is a testament to this daily mission. In fact, 
Gatorland has rescued hundreds of alligators over the years who were 
injured and at risk of not surviving, as well as those who were 
becoming a nuisance due to people illegally feeding them.
  Just in the last year, the park rescued an American Alligator that 
was found missing her entire top jaw. This alligator, now named 
Jawlene, is thriving in her new home in ``Alligator Paradise'' at 
Gatorland and has since become a viral sensation and she is much 
beloved by the local community. In addition, the park welcomed the 
birth of Mystic, an extremely rare white leucistic alligator, along 
with her natural-color brother, Mayhem.
  The park continues to rescue alligators and educate people on the 
importance of alligators and crocodiles to our ecosystems, to respect 
their power and beauty, and how to safely live with them in Florida and 
in communities around the world.

                          ____________________