SWAMP SCHOOL EXPLORERS
Swamp School: Explorer Missions
Want to become an official Gatorama Swamp School graduate? We have designed four exciting Explorer Missions for kids and teens (ages 5 to 15) to complete during their visit! These interactive challenges encourage kids to use their creativity, practice their photography, and even try their hand at being a wildlife reporter.
Once you complete a mission, share your work with us on social media using our official handle @gatoramafun and the hashtag #GatoramaExplorer so our team can feature your adventure!
Mission 1: The Swamp Reporter
Video Mission
Grab a parent’s phone and channel your inner wildlife show host! Find your favorite animal at the park—like Sahara and Sparky the Fennec Foxes, Dozer the giant tortoise, or even Goliath—and record a 30-second “wildlife report.”
Your Goal: Introduce the animal, share one fun fact you learned from the exhibit sign, and explain why you think they are cool!
How to Share: Have your parents post your video on Instagram or Facebook, tag @GatoramaAdventures, and use #GatoramaExplorer so our keepers can watch and grade your report!
Mission 2: The Photo Safari
Photography Mission
Test your camera skills and see if you can capture all five of these unique, close-up shots during your park tour:
Toothy Smile: A safe photo of a crocodile showing its teeth with its mouth closed.
Super Ears: A photo showing just how big the Fennec Fox’s ears are compared to its body.
Ancient Armor: A close-up texture photo of Dozer the tortoise’s hard, layered shell.
Baby Step: A photo of a tiny baby gator hanging out in the Baby Gator Pod.
Boardwalk Views: A beautiful landscape shot looking out into the wild Everglades marsh from our boardwalk.
How to Share: Post your best photo or a collage of your safari on social media with the hashtag #GatoramaExplorer!
Mission 3: The Sound Detective
Listening Mission
Reptiles and birds are surprisingly loud! Put on your listening ears and try to track down and identify three different sounds around the park:
The Hatchling Chirp: Listen closely to the Baby Gator Pod. Can you hear the high-pitched “chirp-chirp” of the baby gators?
The Aviary Chorus: Head over to the covered aviary and listen to the different bird calls. Can you spot which bird is making each sound?
The Splish-Splash: Listen for the heavy splash of our big gators and crocs. Is it a gentle tail-wag swim, or a giant feeding splash?
Explorer Question: Talk to your family about what you think the animals are trying to communicate to each other with their sounds!
Mission 4: The Conservation Pledge
Eco-Mission
After walking the Edge of the Swamp and learning about our conservation work, think about how we can help protect these amazing animals.
Your Goal: Draw a picture or write down one simple thing you can do at home or school to help keep wetlands clean and safe for wildlife (like recycling plastic, saving water, or never feeding wild animals).
How to Share: Take a photo of your pledge or drawing, post it, and tag us so we can add your pledge to our digital conservation wall of conservation heroes!
