Everglades Holiday Park is not only known for its thrilling airboat adventures and breathtaking landscapes but also for its dedication to the conservation and care of the fascinating creatures that call the Everglades home. Among the residents of our alligator park is a remarkable reptile named “Seven,” a testament to the power of resilience and the positive impact of wildlife rescue efforts. Seven’s incredible story of survival and friendship serves as an inspiration to our guests and a reminder of the importance of protecting our unique ecosystems and their inhabitants.
A “Nuisance” Rescue
Since 2013, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) receives an average of 45 calls per day (16,648 per year) regarding “nuisance” alligators. A “Nuisance Alligator” is an alligator over 4 feet in length that poses a threat to property, pets, or people and/or suddenly appears in someone’s backyard or swimming pool and, therefore, must be removed. When these calls are received on the Nuisance Alligator Hotline (866-FWC-GATOR), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to remove them.
The FWC cannot relocate nuisance alligators because:
Opposed to being harvested at an alligator farm, our safari park volunteers to relocate nuisance alligators reported to the FWC to our alligator sanctuary in the Everglades, where Seven the alligator is the largest of our 40 rescued nuisance alligators.
Life as a Rescue
Since his arrival at Everglades Holiday Park, Seven has received expert care from our dedicated team of animal specialists, including an extraordinary friendship with Chris Gilette – one of Animal Planet’s Famous Gator Boys. Seven has adapted to his new life at our alligator sanctuary and has become a beloved member of our alligator park family to our staff and alligator lovers around the world.
Today, Seven thrives at our alligator park and serves as an ambassador for his species and a living testament to the power of conservation and alligator rescue efforts. Visitors to our park can observe Seven in his habitat and learn about his incredible journey from the wilds of the Everglades to his new home.
Seven’s Impact: Raising Awareness and Inspiring Action
Seven’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. As a survivor, he has become a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring countless visitors to take action and support the conservation of the Everglades and its inhabitants.
By sharing Seven’s story, Everglades Holiday Park aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing alligators and other wildlife in the region. Furthermore, we strive to inspire our guests to support and engage in conservation initiatives that protect and preserve the delicate balance of the Everglades ecosystem.
Learn how you can support our wildlife rescue program by Adopting a Gator or joining our Gator Kids Club.
Visit Seven the Alligator at Everglades Holiday Park
If you’re planning a visit to Everglades Holiday Park, be sure to meet Seven and learn more about his incredible story. Our team is passionate about sharing the tale of Seven’s rescue, as well as the broader message of conservation and respect for the wildlife that calls the Everglades home. Seven’s Journey is just one example of the many amazing stories you’ll encounter at Everglades Holiday Park. Come and experience the magic of the Everglades, meet Seven and our other remarkable residents, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
What are the names of other alligators besides Seven?
Boris, Casper, Darth, Lokey, and Zilla are just a few of our most famous alligators at our alligator park.
How Can You Tell Alligators Apart?
Alligators vary in size, color, and appearance. These are some of the most obvious ways for our alligator experts to know who is who of our rescued alligators. Below is a guide on how to find some of our most famous gators at our alligator park:
Seven: He is the largest and most famous gator at our park. He has his own dedicated habitat, and you will see that he is much largest in girth and length than all of our other rescues.
Boris: Alligators vary in color depending on their habitat and range between olive green, brown, gray, and black. Boris’ face completion is lighter than the other gators, and his eyes are a lighter brown, making him easily distinguishable from the other alligators.
Darth: He has a long, slender face and jaws and has an overall more slender look throughout his body. His osteoderms, the bone plates underneath the dermal layers of skin that run along the back of alligators, which are a form of protection for alligators and function as their temperature regulation, are wider on his lower back near his rear legs.
Lokey: While he may be normal in color and size, Lokey has a very distinguishing ‘knot’ on his snout, which was caused by an ingrowth of a tooth root.
Zilla: He has a broad face and has girth throughout his body, making his appearance “wider” overall compared to the other gators in the habitat.
If you are having trouble telling our alligators when visiting our alligator park, these reptiles are highly intelligent and respond when you call their name!