Gator Adventure Production
We pride ourselves in our staff and the people we employ that help make Gator Adventure Productions one-of-a-kind!
Position: CEO, President
While most children dream of becoming firefighters or astronauts, Michael, at 7 years old, said he was going to be an alligator wrestler! He signed his Senior Yearbooks with the words," This signature is good for two free tickets to my Alligator Park I will own someday!" His dreams have come true with Gator Adventure Productions. G.A.P. is a culmination of his nearly twenty years in the alligator entertainment industry. He has been featured on Animal Planet as an alligator expert as his unique, comical take on life and the world of alligators makes him a memorable television character. He also is a professional actor working with Walt Disney Entertainment as a Performer. He is a member of Actors equity and lends his theatrical flair to Gator Adventure Productions.
Position: Founder
Flavio is known the world over as one of the leading experts on Alligator Behavior. Pioneering the field of Alligator training, Flavio is requested at zoos and parks across the globe as a speaker and teacher in this aspect of Crocodilian research. He is a noted speaker, world traveler, and his ground breaking research into Crocodilain training has been featured on National Geographic. With over two decades working at various theme parks he has become a highly sought after attractions and entertainment consultant. You can find out more about Flavio and his research into the world of alligator training at his site Reptiletraining.com
Position: Founder
Tony has been featured in print ads throughout the world as his good looks combined with alligator handling skills has earned him the monicker; "The James Bond of Gator Wrestling." Tony is adept at negotiations and sales and has years of business experience combined with his wildlife skills. Tony not only specializes in alligators and crocodiles, but is quite adept at sharks as well as other marine animals. Part model, part alligator handler, part entrepreneur, Tony is the crown jewel in the G.A.P. empire.
Position: General Manager
Babs has been a Zoo Director for almost a decade working with a wide variety of animals. From gators to bird waders she is our resident expert. If anyone has a question about animals, the entire staff relies on her years of knowledge and passion for the animals. She is also one of the first publicized female alligator handlers even being recognized on talk shows and television specials throughout America. Babs can now be found at G.A.P. running the show and keeping everything in good working order.
Position: Lead Trainer
Marco has been handling gators since he was twelve years old. He grew up around animals and also spent 3 years as a clown for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. G.A.P. recognized his talent and awarded him the position of Lead Handler and Trainer. Marco took first place in the World Championship of Alligator Wrestling earning the title: "The Best Gator Wrestler in the World!" What sets Marco apart is his gentleness with the alligators and his dedication to conservation. Marco also is one of the few handlers in the world to perform underwater handling of gators. Most gator shows are performed on land, however Marco uses a little known technique of deep water handling taught by the Seminole Indians. Be on the lookout for Marco!
Position: Gator
Hamlet the Alligator is one of the stars of G.A.P. He has been known to chase new trainers out of his pen. He is also the alligator that responds best to training commands. If you see the G.A.P. trainers working with a gator, it's probably Hamlet. The only question as a trainer when you work with Hamlet is: To be or not to be...eaten by this alligator!
Position: Gator
Doofy the Gator is the featured attraction of G.A.P. He is a 17 year old, 12 foot long American Alligator. He is known as the "Terror of the Everglades" and has been featured on Animal Planet, Fuel TV, and even the Travel Channel. He became famous through a viral video known as "Gator Smashes Watermelon" - Check it out on our Media page. Once you meet Doofy, you will never forget the experience!
Position: Gator
Mozart the gator loves long walks, margaritas, and is very down to earth...whoops, it's not that kind of profile is it? Mozart is one of the larger gators at G.A.P. and a trainer can not earn the official title "alligator wrestler" until they are able to handle Mozart. Mozart may be one of the most challenging gators, but also puts on the best show!
Position: Gator
Fiddlesticks the Gator may be one of the smaller alligators at G.A.P. but he has a lot of personality. He was featured on T.L.C. and actually seems to enjoy human contact (probably human flesh too). He is waiting for you to meet him and give him a nice friendly back rub.
Position: Reptile Trainer
I have been around all kinds of reptiles my whole life, longer than I have known my little sister. My name is Dakota Morrissiey and I can eat a spoon full of cinnamon without a problem. Alligators, crocodiles, snakes...anything not considered a fluffy cutie pie by 8 year old girls is totally at home around me. I can lift twenty pounds with one arm, imagine with two! I have become used to the hum of airboats and the roaring of small jumping spiders that cover my work areas and it has hardened me as a person. I believe I can be trusted with your once in a lifetime Gator experience.
Position:
A vibrant mix of Indiana Jones and Jem (and the Holograms, of course!), Adrienne is a native Floridian with an affinity for biology. Rightfully so, she is a full time science education major as well as gator wrangler for Gator Adventure Productions. A team member since April 2008, Adrienne is a GAP veteran who has appeared on the Travel Channel's "Extreme Animal Encounters" wrestling our 7 foot gators in style. Blondes are the best gator wranglers you know!
Position:
Hailing from Detroit Rock City is Brian, a chemistry major with a knack for fixing things and wrangling alligators. When he's not busy working on cars you can find Brian at Gator Adventure Productions informing curious visitors all about our crocodilian coworkers. A whiz kid in all things scientific, Brian is a perfect fit into the GAP family.
Position:
Matthew Montague was born in the remote bush of Kenya and grew up with a passion for wildlife. He spent most of his adult life as a wildlife safari guide in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. While his experinece is mostly with crocodiles and Afican animals, he has a great love for gators and their conservation. He adds something special to our team and his experiences in Africa always make for a great story. Ask him about any African animal and he will tell you a wonderful story.
Position:
This is one of G.A.P.'s more famous alligators as he was featured on Fuel TV's "Dew Underground" Program. He is also legendary due to the fact he is the dominant gator in the pen. John (or "Johnny Boy" as the trainers affectionately call him) was named after one of Florida's top law enforcement officers. Just like his human counterpart, John the gator patrols his enclosure making sure all the other gators know he's the law. John is the biggest gator in the enclosure and enforces the law with an iron will and toothy intensity! The next time you are at the alligator enclosure, look for Lt. John the gator. He is there to protect and serve. PROTECT his territory and SERVE himself some food!
Position: Gator Trooper
I was born in Virginia and spent most of my life in the foothills of North Carolina. I love nature and wildlife in general. I'm an avid outdoorsman. A former Law Enforcement Officer, I am now attending school at Marine Mechanics Institute. Since working with the company, I have learned a lot and really enjoy working with alligators.
