Florida Alligator with Missing Jaw Gains Strength and Hearts at Gatorland
An alligator missing her upper jaw, “Jawlene” is making remarkable progress at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida. Despite her injury, she’s gaining weight and strength, exhibiting the adaptability of the American Alligator.
By Beth Snider · December 3, 2023
‘Jawlene,’ the resilient alligator missing her upper jaw, continues to make remarkable progress in adapting to her new home at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida. According to the latest post on Gatorland’s Facebook page, the young alligator is not only gaining weight but also displaying increased strength.
Jawlene is an incredible testament to the strength and resilience of the great American Alligator.
The wildlife preserve’s spokesperson, Savannah Boan, shared insights into Jawlene’s journey, describing it as a “wild ride” since her arrival in mid-September. Boan remains in awe of her survival, and highlighted the learning curve involved in caring for Jawlene, from understanding her adaptation to life as a wild alligator to finding the most effective feeding methods to prevent frustration and ensure proper nutrition. The caretakers at Gatorland have been patient and are building trust with Jawlene, who is visibly getting stronger with each passing day.
Jawlene, affectionately named after Dolly Parton’s popular song “Jolene,” gained widespread attention after her rescue in September. While the cause of her jaw injury remains uncertain, Gatorland has been providing dedicated care and witnessing steady improvements in her health. In a recent video posted on social media, Boan and Gatorland CEO Mark McHugh shared the exciting news of Jawlene’s progress. The pair proudly declared that everybody’s favorite alligator is “just doing fantastic” and has added 2 pounds to her weight.
Despite encountering a few worms and requiring ongoing treatments, Jawlene’s recovery is on track. The wildlife preserve team is preparing for her eventual release into areas with other alligators. Gatorland has set up funding for Jawlene’s care, and they are open to donations. The latest update suggests that Jawlene might be viewable by the public in the baby marsh at Gatorland by Christmas, although the specific date for this heartwarming moment has not been finalized. As Gatorland continues to monitor Jawlene’s health and comfortability, the community is eagerly following the ongoing success story of this remarkable alligator.