Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” and its American Alligator, Tamale, are featured in a Florida Highway Patrol national contest.  FHP entered the 2023 Annual American Association of State Troopers (AAST) “Best Looking Cruiser” contest. Regional state troopers from across the nation submit pictures of their best-looking vehicles to represent their state. This year Florida Highway Patrol chose to do the shoot of one of their best-looking vehicles at Gatorland and feature one of Gatorland’s star alligators named Tamale.

The photoshoot by retired FHP Lieutenant Jeff Frost of a 2019 Dodge Chrysler in FHP’s traditional colors of black and tan, took place in a grassy area of the 110-acre theme park. Tamale, one of the park’s toothy residents, is a 15-year-old, 8.5 ft long, 180-lb American alligator. When not on photo duty, she spends her time in alligator paradise with over 120 alligators in the large 15-acre Main Lake, eating fish, red meat and chicken, and sunning herself on Gatorland’s gator beaches.

https://www.facebook.com/FloridaHighwayPatrolTrainingAcademy/videos/1631454440683959

https://www.flhsmv.gov/votefhp/

“We are thrilled that FHP wanted to partner with Gatorland to showcase Florida’s natural wildlife and our magnificent Tamale,” said Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland. “We are hoping everyone joins us in voting for FHP to win this great national contest which benefits the families of those who serve and protect us.”

he annual contest is sponsored by the American Association of State Troopers with proceeds benefiting the AAST Foundation providing educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers. The winning state trooper photo will be featured on the cover of the Best Looking Trooper Cruisers 2024 AAST Wall Calendar.  Voting is open until July 31.  See the link below to vote for FHP and Tamale!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023

To keep track of the voting, visit https://www.statetroopers.org/

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 74thAnniversary 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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