Bionic Buzz® interviewed Mark McHugh the President and CEO of Gatorland Orlando. In the interview we got to learn about the birth their extremely rare leucistic white alligator. With the birth of this incredible baby alligator, Gatorland now has the largest collection of rare leucistic alligators in the world.vLeucistic alligators are the rarest genetic variation in the American alligator. They differ from albino alligators, which have pink eyes and a complete loss of pigment. Leucism in alligators causes white coloration, but they often have patches or splotches of normal coloration on their skin.

Without the darker skin pigmentation, they can’t have direct sunlight for long periods of time because they sunburn easily. Leucistic alligators also have brilliant blue eyes compared to the pink eyes of an albino alligator. According to McHugh, the new baby female leucistic alligator and her normal colored brother, born to parents Jeyan and Ashley, weigh 96 grams and are currently 49 cm long. Gatorland’s veterinarian has given them an A+ on their recent health check-up. They eat bite-size pieces of raw chicken and tiny Croc Chow pellets made to supplement nutrition.

Also right now at Gatorland is their 4th Annual Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-down!

Gatorland’s signature holiday extravaganza unfolds with a delightful mix of music, festive displays, interactive characters, and an array of tempting seasonal treats available for purchase. Capture the essence of a distinctively Floridian holiday by snapping a photo with Gator Claus aboard his swamp-worthy sleigh. Meet the mischievous Krampus Croc, and sing along with the Florida Skunk Ape as he performs his favorite “Cryptid carols.”

Discover an array of unique arts and craft vendors strategically placed throughout, providing a treasure trove of holiday shopping options to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Elevate your Christmas shopping experience with a visit to the acclaimed Gatorland gift shop, where Gatorland style awaits!

All this and all of the alligators, wildlife, and the crowd-pleasing shows that have made Gatorland one of Florida’s most beloved attractions since 1949. Mark McHugh, President, and CEO of Gatorland, affirms, “Our Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down has become a favorite family tradition for our visitors. It’s our goal to bring the holiday spirit to our guests in a way that only Gatorland can!” Join in for a season filled with fun, smiles, and lasting memories, capturing the essence of Gatorland at its best.

Gatorland combines Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. The 110-acre theme park has been named Best Wildlife Preserve 2023 by Orlando Style Magazine, Best Hidden Gem 2023 by Watermark Magazine and among the Top 3 Best Local Animal Rescue and Best Place for Family Fun 2022 by the Orlando Weekly Readers’ Poll. Orlando Weekly’s Best of Orlando® 2022 and 2021 Readers’ Poll also named Gatorland the Best Attraction That’s Not A Theme Park and Best Zip Line or Ropes Course for Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.

Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park is celebrating its 74th Anniversary in 2023. This iconic park provides affordably priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, popular capybara encounter, 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 Zipline, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure and the brand-new Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure.

For more Gatorland info., visit us online at www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.

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