Nothing Will Prepare You for Gatorland’s New Social Distancing Mascot (Spoiler: It’s Much Weirder than a Gator)

Earlier this week, we reported that Gatorland would be reopening as Florida moves into Phase Two of the Reopening Plan.

©ABC News

And now, Gatorland has shared two videos discussing the park’s new protocols and safety measures in place. 

The first video features Gatorland CEO, Mark McHugh, walking through the park, discussing their plans to ensure a safe experience for their guests. He shows team members in [gator-themed] masks placing social distance markers on the ground and discusses the 32 page safety guidebook his team developed.

 

All of this is to be expected in a “Gatorland Reopening Safety Video,” except one thing… . He subtly mentions that they’ve solicited the help of  “Gatorland Social Distancing Skunk Ape” to make sure guests are complying with the rules.

I’m sorry…what?!?! 

Gatorland’s Social Distancing Skunk Ape ©Gatorland Orlando

Upon further digging, we found that the Social Distancing Skunk Ape has his own feature on the Gatorland Homepage!

Skunk Ape’s video shows a team member walking through the safety measures in place, such as using hand sanitizer and required face masks. The narrator states “Our staff, led by the Social Distancing Skunk Ape, will be watching to make sure everyone stays six feet apart.”

Then, Skunk Ape pushes people standing too close together away from each other. Naturally.

©Gatorland Orlando

The video continues with the Skunk Ape ensuring guests wash their hands and use hand sanitizer, but ends with an interview from a team member.

©Gatorland Orlando

Throughout the video, listen up for some great, soon-to-be-classic lines such as “he’s insistent you stay distant” and “it’s always wise to sanitize.”

©Gatorland Orlando

Needless to say, the Social Distancing Skunk Ape might just be the greatest and most insane thing we’ve seen all week. Thank you Gatorland…he’s a treasure.

You can watch the full video here, with Social Distancing Skunk Ape in all his glory. And before you ask — yes, you can buy the shirt. 


Currently Gatorland is closed, but will be opening soon with limited operation. If you visit, watch out for Skunk Ape!

Have you been to Gatorland? Let us know in the comments!

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Molly is a lifelong Disney enthusiast, and former Walt Disney World Guest Relations Cast Member and tour guide. Her Walt Disney World favorites include Festival of the Lion King, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Fantasmic!, Mickey-shaped pretzels and rice krispie treats, and anything with Buzz Lightyear! She lives in Orlando with her husband (who she met in Guest Relations) and their two rescue dogs, Kronk and Cruella de Vil (Ella for short!)

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