Meet Jawlene: The Alligator With No Upper Jaw Finds a Home at Gatorland in Orlando

Earlier this month, a jawless alligator was rescued and relocated to Gatorland in Orlando, Florida, where she was given the new name "Jawlene," inspired by Dolly Parton. This injured reptile had drawn international attention due to the missing upper part of her jaw.

What Happened to the Jawless Alligator?

Gatorland, an Orlando attraction, has given the name "Jawlene" to an alligator that is missing its upper jaw and was rescued from Sanford. The name was selected through social media suggestions and is a playful reference to Dolly Parton's song "Jolene." Mark McHugh, Gatorland's president and CEO, expressed admiration for both Jawlene and Dolly Parton.

The circumstances surrounding Jawlene's jaw loss remain uncertain, with theories ranging from a boat propeller injury to encounters with other alligators. The animal's rescue, along with its stay at Gatorland, has garnered widespread international media attention.

The story began when Eustacia Kanter and her dog discovered the jawless alligator while on a walk at Wilson's Landing in Sanford. Shocked by the sight, Kanter reached out to various authorities and organizations for help.

She contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and connected with Katrina Shadix, executive director of Bear Warriors United, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding Florida's natural resources and wildlife.

Shadix played a crucial role in mobilizing the community to aid the distressed gator. She communicated with the FWC's emergency dispatch line, Gatorland, and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Kim Titterington, who were all willing to assist, pending delivery of the alligator by the FWC.

Gatorland confirmed that it had been contacted by the FWC regarding an alligator in need of assistance. While they expressed their readiness to assess the alligator's survivability, they awaited further communication from the FWC.

The FWC initiated a search for the alligator after receiving a report on August 29 about a small alligator missing its upper jaw. The incident remains under investigation as the FWC continues to monitor the situation.

Jawlene Now Staying In Gatorland's Sanctuary

In a video update, McHugh provided information about Jawlene's health, noting that she has been eating modestly, even managing to consume a couple of mice independently. He described her feeding process, where she would position food toward the back of her tongue, throw it back, use her tongue to manipulate it, and successfully swallow it.

There have been inquiries from the public regarding the possibility of fitting Jawlene with a prosthetic jaw. McHugh acknowledged discussions with individuals experienced in animal and human prosthetics, including experts in 3D printing. However, any prosthetic plans are currently deferred to avoid adding stress to the alligator's situation.

For the time being, Gatorland has placed Jawlene in isolation with her private pool to help her adjust and get comfortable. The attraction, known as "alligator paradise," has been in operation on South Orange Blossom Trail since 1949.

Gatorland has a tradition of naming its animals based on various criteria, including relatives' names, pop culture references, or the circumstances of their rescues.

This naming tradition extends from alligators like Pearl, Tamale, Chester, Winchester, Bogey, Bonecrusher, and Bonecrusher II to other animals within the park, such as Lyle the crocodile, goats named Salt, Pepper, and Nutmeg in the petting zoo, and two capybara siblings named Ben and Jerry.

Check out more news and information on Alligators in Science Times.