Celebration Life Magazine August 2020 | Page 10

By Shelley Caran - - WHAT’S OUTDOORS? - Gator Safety Savannah Boan Since 1949 Gatorland Orlando has been educating the Central Florida area on alligator safety, and with alligator season well underway I wanted to find out more about some important tips from Savannah Boan, Gatorland’s Crocodilian Enrichment Coordinator and International Ambassador for Conservation. She is dedicated to teaching people about the incredible behavior, anatomy, and ecology of some of the world’s most feared creatures through groundbreaking content. Her goal is to change the villainous perception of alligators and crocodiles to create respect for the animals and the world in which they live. “Although I have loved alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles my entire life, it was a dream come true to work at Gatorland,” says TO GO Orders Available! Savannah. “Gatorland is the world’s leader in alligator safety and education, and with all the incredible animals that I get to interact with daily, it is truly a magical place.” Here are some important things to keep in mind from Florida’s Most Trusted Authority on Alligator Safety and Education: • Any body of water in the state of Florida can be home to alligators and that the animals are now on the move, looking for mates and nesting sites. • Alligators can be very territorial and many are on the move looking for mates, so if you see an alligator do not approach it. • When there is a drought and water levels are low, this also puts alligators on the move. • Dogs and cats are similar to an alligator’s natural prey so do not let them exercise, swim, or drink in large bodies of water that may be home to alligators. • Use extra caution in the morning or evening hours in shallow water, as alligators may think the splashing is an animal at the waters’ edge or is in distress. • Never swim outside of posted area or in large bodies of water that may be home to alligators. • Always supervise your children when they play in or around water. • Stay away from alligators you see in the wild and do not feed them. • Remember, it is against the law in the State of Florida to feed or harass an alligator in the wild. • Report any alligator concerns by contacting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through http://myfwc.com/. You can also learn more about alligators and the other animals that call Gatorland home with Savannah during Gatorland’s School of Croc Program that airs Saturdays on Gatorland's YouTube Channel at 10 a.m. Gatorland’s 110-acre theme park is open daily. WE ARE OPEN! With a full range of safety measures in place. Same great team. Same great food and drinks! 407.566.2526 l 721 FRONT STREET thecelebrationtowntavern.com *Prefer to eat at your place? Just call us - we’ll have your To Go order ready in minutes. Combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment, the park provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with observation tower, a free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, and one-of-a-kind shows, including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters. During your visit keep an eye out for Gatorland’s newest team member, the Social Distancing Skunk Ape, who makes social distancing fun reminding guests to keep 6 feet apart and wash their hands frequently. For more Gatorland information, visit us online at www.gatorland.com, or call 800-393-JAWS. 10