Gatorland Global, the alligator conservation arm of Gatorland®, has taken in its first rescue gator of the 2025 Alligator Breeding Season.
Lil’ Yachty (named after the popular Atlanta, Georgia rapper), was found at the Mount Dora Yacht Club missing part of his tail. The injury to his tail was completely healed and the source of the injury is unknown. The 125 lb., eight-foot-long gator, approximately 15-20 years old was brought to Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World®,” by a trapper last week to live out his life in alligator paradise.
“We typically receive more rescue gators during the annual alligator breeding season, which is just starting, simply because they are more active searching for mates and looking for food as the weather warns,” explained Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland. “Lil’ Yachty is a beautiful and healthy alligator and is now a happy camper in our breeding marsh.”
Gatorland’s newest gator resident, one of more than 100 rescued alligators who call Gatorland home, is a bit of a scrapper according to McHugh because of some minor scars and his tail injury. “Looks like he’s had his fair share of scuffles. This beautiful alligator is part of our huge success story with Gatorland Global where we rescue nuisance alligators destined for euthanasia,” he added.
Gatorland Global’s mission is to Protect alligators and crocodiles, Conserve their sensitive and dwindling habitats, and Educate people on the importance of crocodilians and how to safely live near them.
About Gatorland
Gatorland combines Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2024. Today the iconic park provides affordably priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, popular capybara encounter, a 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 include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, and the 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 since 2016, Best Wildlife Preserve 2023 by Orlando Style Magazine, and Best Hidden Gem 2023 by Watermark Magazine. In addition, the Screamin’ Gator Zipline 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.