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| · July 18, 2003 · |
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· The Travel Channel Names Alligator Adventure Best Outdoor Adventure In Myrtle Beach MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (July 17, 2003) - The Travel Channel has named Alligator Adventure, a division of Barefoot Landing's Zoological Gardens, Myrtle Beach's Best Outdoor Adventure for 2003. This comes on the heels of Myrtle Beach being named the Best Family Beach for 2003.
Alligator Adventure, a reptile and exotic species habitat, occupies more than 20 acres of wetland environment. The park was completed in 1995 and is home to nearly 800 American Alligators ranging in size from eight-inch hatchlings to 14-foot adults that weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds. Alligator Adventure's largest attraction is UTAN, King of the Crocs. Weighing in at over a ton and measuring more than 20 feet long, UTAN is the largest crocodile to ever be exhibited in the United States. Earlier this year, Alligator Adventure welcomed two black bears to the park, Bonnie and Clyde. The park is also home to one of the world's largest collections of rare and endangered crocodiles; Casper and Wendy, a pair of solid white albino alligators; giant Komodo dragons and a 5000-square-foot air-conditioned serpentarium inhabited by an extensive collection of the world's most interesting and dangerous snakes. Alligator Adventure's main goal is to be at the forefront of wildlife conservation and preservation. Many critically endangered species breed freely on the grounds of the park. An on-site veterinary hospital exists for any of the special needs of the residents and programs are frequently offered to veterinarians and other animal care providers throughout the United States in the fields of reptile medicine and husbandry. The park also provides ongoing educational programs for school-age children both on site and in the community at large. "We at Alligator Adventure are genuinely honored to be awarded with such esteemed recognition by The Travel Channel," said Jake Puglia, General Manager of Alligator Adventure. "Alligator Adventure is a remarkable park offering educational fun for visitors of all ages. We strive each day to offer an exciting and alternative form of entertainment for the millions of Myrtle Beach visitors each year. We feel we have successfully reached that goal and look forward to continually amazing our guests and remaining one of Myrtle Beach's number one tourist attractions." Alligator Adventure, the "Reptile Capital of the World" was completed in 1995. It is home to nearly 800 American Alligators that range in size from eight-inch hatchlings to 14-foot adults that weigh an excess of 1,000 pounds. Alligator Adventure is also home to UTAN, King of the Crocs. Measuring more than 20 feet long and weighing in at over a ton, UTAN is the largest crocodile to ever be on exhibit in the United States. In the main alligator exhibit pool, more than 300 large adults wait patiently while skilled lecturers explain the fascinating life history of these ancient creatures. The talks are climaxed with staff members feeding the huge reptiles by hand. The park is also home to one of the world's largest collections of rare and endangered crocodiles. Other permanent exhibits include a 5000-square-foot air-conditioned serpentarium inhabited by an extensive collection of the world's most interesting snakes including Giant Pythons, Anacondas and King Cobras. A separate building houses a wide variety of lizards, frogs and aquatic turtles. An on-site research center, veterinary hospital and gift shop are also featured at the unique attraction. Media Contact: Nancy Greene or Brianne Moss Brandon Advertising 843-916-2000 |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |