A sad day.

[ConcKahuna]

Although many of you have probably never been, or may not even know about it, Gatorland has had a very bad day today. As of just before 6am, the front structure of Gatorland was on fire. Fire crews have been working all morning to try and save the buildings and inhabitants, but unfortunatly some of the animals have died.

Hopefully they will be able to rebuild, I remember going to Gatorland in my grade-school years, and was hoping to go back in a few months. Now there's no telling if Gatorland will even be around then.

Click here for the news story.

 

[meygen_k]

That's so sad

 

[Viki]

Oh, darn. Orlando Mike wrote about the fire this morning and I was hoping the animals were all safe. Please keep us posted on developments!

 

[OrlandoMike]

Some good news. They thought two crocks for sure had died in the blaze, as they were housed up front near the entrance. When the fire marshall went in to investigate one of the crocs poked his head up through the debris alive and well! The other one has not been found yet. The officials from Gatorland said on the news they have been getting phone calls from all over the world offering help, including Disney. They are insured, and will be back in buisness as soon as possible. I know I for one will be one of the first in line to give them a little of my hard earned cash when they do re-open the gates! I literally drive past this place at least twice a week, it will be hard to drive by and look at the damage! God Speed Gatorland! You may not be the biggest player in town, but you are in our hearts and prayers!

Mike

 

[Viki]

Thanks for that piece of good news Mike!

 

[smoof]

Any animal deaths are terrible. I have to say I will have to visit and give them a little support. I remember it from when I was real little.

 

[ConcKahuna]

It seems the fire was caused by a short in a heating pad for one of the snakes. Unfortunatly, 2 large constrictors were killed, 1 large crocodile, and 2 baby alligators. It could have been much worse, as Gatorland is home to literally thousands of birds and animals. Firefighters had dificutly fighting the blaze, since one side of the gift shop is up against a large pond filled with hundreds of gators, so they couldnt fight the fire from that side.

This may not be a popular thing to say, but I always feel more for the animals who die in fires than the Firefighters. Yes, the firefighters are great people who risk their lives for the saftey of others, but they know that it is a risk when they do it. The poor animals don't have a choice. I'm just glad that the rescuers were able to keep animal fatalities to a minimum. Gatorland has been around for over 57 years, and it's good to hear that they are planning on re-opening as soon as possible.

 

[OrlandoMike]

They are trying to open for Thanksgiving weekend! I'll be there as soon as possible, hopefully I will take some photos to post here.