FaunaClassifieds - View Single Post - Fire burns Gatorland; 2 snakes, 2 crocs likely killed

11-16-2006, 07:30 AM

http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Nov...ndFire,00.html

Gatorland Set to Reopen Nov. 24

Thursday, November 16, 2006

ORLANDO, Fla. — The reopening of Gatorland, the 57-year-old attraction damaged by fire, has been pushed back to Nov. 24, park officials said.

Guests will use an alternate entrance rather than the park's trademark giant alligator mouth entrance that was charred in the three-alarm fire Nov 6.

"The construction would've been completed, but in order to handle our guests safely and efficiently from the new entrance, I believe we needed another day to work out our operations,"said Gatorland President and Chief Executive Officer Mark McHugh.

A crocodile and two pythons were killed in the blaze, but no people were injured. The fire ruined Gatorland's 7,000-square-foot gift shop and some administrative offices, but did not damage food service or stage areas.

A faulty reptile heating device caused the fire, investigators said.

The park is one of central Florida's oldest attractions. It features alligator wrestling shows and exhibitions where visitors can touch and hold reptiles and snakes.

11-16-2006, 07:30 AM	#9
wcreptiles	http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Nov...ndFire,00.html Gatorland Set to Reopen Nov. 24 Thursday, November 16, 2006 ORLANDO, Fla. — The reopening of Gatorland, the 57-year-old attraction damaged by fire, has been pushed back to Nov. 24, park officials said. Guests will use an alternate entrance rather than the park's trademark giant alligator mouth entrance that was charred in the three-alarm fire Nov 6. "The construction would've been completed, but in order to handle our guests safely and efficiently from the new entrance, I believe we needed another day to work out our operations,"said Gatorland President and Chief Executive Officer Mark McHugh. A crocodile and two pythons were killed in the blaze, but no people were injured. The fire ruined Gatorland's 7,000-square-foot gift shop and some administrative offices, but did not damage food service or stage areas. A faulty reptile heating device caused the fire, investigators said. The park is one of central Florida's oldest attractions. It features alligator wrestling shows and exhibitions where visitors can touch and hold reptiles and snakes.