Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” which just reached a milestone in rescuing more than 100 alligators, is continuing its mission of animal conservation by giving a forever home to three, one-and-half-year-old red fox siblings rescued from the fur trade by Minnesota-based Save A Fox Rescue sanctuary.
The red fox siblings, named Lakota (male), Nova (female) and Cha’Tima (female), were among 500 foxes rescued from a fur farm that was bought out and closed by Save A Fox Rescue. Through its internationally known Gatorland Global animal protection, conservation, and education program, Gatorland offered a permanent home to the playful red fox youngsters. It’s the first time the brother and two sisters have felt grass under their feet or even been able to run.
“We did not hesitate when Save A Fox Rescue contacted us to see if we would adopt this family of foxes. Among all the animals we have rescued in 75 years, we have never had an opportunity to adopt foxes. These beautiful young foxes were destined to be killed for their fur when Save A Fox Rescue boldly bought the farm and brought them to us,” said Mark McHugh, President & CEO of Gatorland. “We want everyone to come and see them in the brand-new habitat we custom built especially for them, which we have humorously named – Foxes in The Hen House.”
It is a joy to watch Lakota, Nova, and Cha’Tima chasing each other, digging holes, and playing with balls, ropes, and tunnels. They eat raw chicken, beef, and whole prey.
Red foxes are native to Florida and all across the United States. They come in three color variations, including Burgundy Fire Factor, Burgundy Gold, and Burgundy. It is not uncommon to see them living in wooded areas in Florida, although they are more active at dawn and dusk when they hunt.
The red fox has incredible hearing, and can pick up high frequencies and high pitches, even underground, which is extremely helpful when hunting rabbits, mice, and other rodents. They crouch down low to blend in with their terrain and leap with great force to capture prey.
It is important to note that in the state of Florida, citizens cannot own a fox without proper permitting and approved facilities. If you see a fox in the wild, you cannot feed them, touch them, or attempt to capture them.
Other iconic experiences you can only find at Gatorland include the Historic Gator Mouth Entrance for that one-of-a-kind selfie, the Gator Jumparoo Show, Adventure Hour Giant Alligator Feeding, Screamin’ Gator Zipline zooming over alligators and crocodiles – voted Best Zipline in the USA by AOL Travel, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, White Gator Marsh with albino and rare leucistic alligators, Baby Gator Marsh, Alligator Breeding Marsh Observation Tower, and Capybara Encounter on Flamingo Island.
About Gatorland
Gatorland combines Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year. Today the 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 new Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure.
The 125-acre award winning theme park has been voted by Orlando Weekly readers the Best Attraction That’s Not a Theme Park every year for the past 8 years since 2016, Best Wildlife Preserve 2023 by Orlando Style Magazine, and Best Hidden Gem 2023 by Watermark Magazine. In addition, the Screamin’ Gator Zipline experience has been voted “Best Zipline in the USA” by AOL Travel and “Best Zipline or Ropes Course in Orlando” by Orlando Weekly readers every year since 2019.
For more Gatorland info., visit www.gatorland.com or call 800-393-JAWS.