PHOTO VIA GATORLAND FACEBOOK PAGE
Gatorland (Website) announced early Wednesday morning the passing of Buddy, the largest alligator in the park’s history. At 13 feet, 8 inches, and nearly 1,000 pounds, Buddy was beloved by generations of families and millions of followers on social media.
According to a statement on Gatorland’s social media, Buddy had been declining for several months, with park veterinarian Dr. James Bogan checking on him regularly. He was on and off medication and receiving extra vitamins, and Gatorland says the cold snaps Florida experienced earlier this year made things harder on him. He died peacefully, surrounded by the people who cared for him.
“Buddy wasn’t just big, he was a legend,” Gatorland wrote in their announcement. “In the end, even legends have to take that walk over the rainbow bridge.”
Buddy was known for his oversized personality and his particularly close bond with Gatorland gator expert Brandon Fisher. The park credits Buddy with helping shape Gatorland into what it is today and making people genuinely fall in love with alligators.
Gatorland, which opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, is a 110-acre park home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, but they say there will be no replacing Buddy. “There will never be another Buddy,” the park wrote. “Thank y’all for loving him with us.”
