Gatorland Panthers
In what now must be considered a record year for new diverse attractions at Central Florida parks, Gatorland Orlando® announced yet another new exhibit coming in April – Panther Springs. Gatorland celebrated the arrival of its 2 new Panthers with its recent “Breakfast with the Panthers” promotion before the official opening of Panther Springs. Gatorland’s Panther Springs will be designed to feature the endangered cats and spotlight their plight here in Florida.
Gatorland Orlando – Panther Springs
The park’s new 2,000 square foot big cat habitat will be called Panther Springs. The VIP guests in this special environment will be Lucy and Neiko, a pair of brother and sister Florida Panthers. Lucy and Niko are technically part Texas Cougar and part Florida Panther. The latter species which is highly endangered and only survives in the wild in the Everglades National Park and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Florida Panthers have struggled to survive since the 1950’s. A dramatic impact on their environment caused a catastrophic drop in the number of panthers in the wild. In fact, it is estimated that less than 150 survive in the wild today which is actually an increase from the low point of 20 approximately 20 years ago. The Florida Panther is the state of Florida’s official mammal.
Florida Panthers – Educational Outreach
Because most Floridians are so sensitive about protecting the Florida Panther, conservationists and the general public will be watchful of how the big cats are treated at the park. Due to the fact that only 150 or so survive in the natural habitat, these majestic animals are a sacred part of our natural heritage in the state. For updates on Florida Panthers by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
We trust the team at Gatorland will take care of Neiko and Lucy in a caring and respectful way. The goal of Gatorland management and ownership will be to sensitize visitors and Florida residents alike to the plight of the Florida Panther and what will be needed to save this magnificent species. Meaningful education provided by the park should be an essential part of Gatorland Orlando Panther Springs and its outreach to save these beautiful cats. Much has been done to save the Florida panther from extinction, but there is still much to do.
Orlando Vacation Homes 360 (OVH 360) is a proud supporter of saving the state’s natural habitat and providing support of conservation efforts in our State and National Parks. Along those lines, OVH 360 is a corporate sponsor partner for the Friends of Florida State Parks.
