Brandon is an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) who resides in the front pond at Gatorama. He is easily recognized by the round bulge on his body, which resembles a ball he “carries” everywhere he goes.
Brandon was brought to Gatorama in 2013 as a nuisance alligator after being captured at the Ortona Landfill by Allen and Ben Register. It is believed that during his time at the landfill, Brandon ingested plastic waste, resulting in a pocket of trapped air within his intestines. This unusual condition causes the visible round shape that makes him so recognizable today.
Through consistent training and care, Brandon has become one of Gatorama’s most responsive alligators, demonstrating behaviors to specific verbal cues such as walk up, hold, and water. Guests who participate in the Face-to-Face Encounter may have the opportunity to meet Brandon and learn more about alligator behavior, training, and conservation.
Brandon’s story serves as an important reminder of the impact human activity can have on wildlife. Litter and improperly disposed plastic can harm animals and their habitats in ways we might not immediately see. By keeping our environment clean, we can help protect remarkable creatures like Brandon for generations to come.
