Gatorland On Fire

[mechurchlady]

http://www.wftv.com/news/10249356/detail.html#
Gatorland is on fire and the news says that it started in the gift shop and spread to the administration building. It is now going to the left toward other buildings that house animals. The fire is not under control at 8 am EST. The porblem is that some buildings have thatch roofs and are made of wood.

http://www.gatorland.com'

They finally are getting it under control and for more footage check this out. http://www.wesh.com/video/9329788/index.html

[Yeti Chaser]

Latest new is that only the Gift Shop was affected. The birds in the shop are removed every night and at this point, they are only worried about two of the 'gators. They have asked for assistance from any animal handler :turtlerid in the area to assist.

Smoke and fire was pouring out of the gator jaws at the entrance and according the the news, it looked like a fire breathing dragon for a shirt time. Hard to believe, this attraction is the oldest in Central Floriday being open for 57 years. They will be back.

[mechurchlady]

In the early morning hours on Monday November 6, 2006, fire erupted in Gatorland's main entry buildings completely destroying our award winning gift shop and leather boutique, as well as the park's admissions area, stockroom, and administrative offices. Thanks to the heroic efforts of over 75 firemen from Orange and Osceola counties, the fire was limited to only Gatorland's front buildings, and none of the rest of the park, or its "jumpin' gators" were affected.

The park's home page has pictures. They plan to reopen with a new entrance soon.

[Cheshire Figment]

According to the article in today's Sentinel, the only fatalities were one dwarf gator and two pythons. All other animals were OK.

[felinefan]

I heard on the news it was two crocs and two pythons.

[mechurchlady]

According to WFTV

Gatorland spokeswoman Michelle Harris said two 8-foot-long pythons kept in a holding pen near the gift shop were dead, as was a 5-foot-long crocodile.

They found the fourth critter, Mr. O., in that area alive because he was old and wise. He hid underwater and was not hurt.


The Chicago Sun-Times and other papers say it was a reptile heater that was faulty and caused the fire. The online articles say they plan to reopen by Thanksgiving.

[hobie16]

...it was a reptile heater that was faulty and caused the fire.

Looks like it worked beyond expectations.

[Main Streeter]

Looks like it worked beyond expectations.

hobie, your quick one liners are the BEST! :D: :D: ROFL

[hobie16]

hobie, your quick one liners are the BEST! :D: :D: ROFL

I'll be here all week. Tip the waitresses!

[head mouse]

OMG. I can't belive that. :(

I wish I had some $$$ to send to them to help out. I'm glad they are feeling strong and going to rebuild.