Gatorland's Largest Alligator, Buddy, Passes Away

0:00Gatorland just lost its biggest alligator ever, a massive beast named Buddy, who's estimated to be between 60 and 70 years old. Born right there at the park, which kicked off back in 1949, he held the title of Largest Gator on site. Staff did everything to keep him comfy, hitting him with meds and extra vitamins while checking on him every morning. Those brutal cold snaps this year hit him hard, but they stood by his side through it all. Everyone at the park adored Buddy. He was chill with folks he liked, but made it clear when he didn't. Visitors flocked to see him swim in the breeding marsh, and his fame exploded on social media and YouTube videos over the last few years. A few years back, Buddy overtook the old champ Chester, who passed in late 2022, cementing his spot as the top dog. Alligators in places like Gatorland live longer than in the wild, often 50 to 80 years versus 45 to 50, thanks to steady food and fewer scraps. Buddy's story reminds us why spots like Gatorland turn skeptics into Gator fans, leaving

1:02a legacy that ripples through the swamp and beyond. This has been Tampa Bay News today, powered by AI.