Joe Dirt Would Be Proud

Hey everyone!  This is a direct pick-up of my article in TRAVELHOST Magazine, Beaumont/Port Arthur edition about CMT’s new reality series, GATOR 911. Enjoy.

Gary Saurage of Gator Country, Star of GATOR 911: Photo Courtesy CMT

CMT’s New Stars: The Alligator Rescuers of GATOR 911 – Gator Country

When Gary Saurage and his team of conservationists rescued an alligator from a local swimming pool, it made national news. Little did they know the media blitz that followed would lead to him and his team starring in GATOR 911, a reality series on CMT. GATOR 911 premieres on CMT April 9. The series kicks off CMT’s new Adventure Country programming block which airs every Friday from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. GATOR 911stars true-to-life Gator Country owner and noted conservationist Gary Saurage, who has 15 years experience handling alligators, and his expert team of rescuers. It also features Gator Country Adventure Park and Café, a popular attraction located in Beaumont, Texas.

Gator Country has been entertaining and educating the public with live alligator shows since 2005. The staff there educates guests on all aspects of the American alligator: history, habitats, population growth and the legal environment, as well. They offer the public the chance to interact with alligators and provide an experience the whole family will appreciate. “Alligators and crocodiles have a history that dates back to the dinosaurs. We have a lot to learn from them,” Saurage says. For the last three years, Gator Country has been the home base of Saurage’s rescue operation as well.

GATOR 911 follows Saurage and his team as they face uncertainty and danger in their daily mission to save the lives of alligators and other local crocodilian species from residential back yards, drainage ditches and other public areas. Although Gator Country is based in the Beaumont area, where gators are abundant, this team of brave conservationists rescues alligators in ten countries around the world.  When people encounter a gator, no matter what country they are in, they generally react with fear or violence.  The team at Gator Country risks life and limb to safely capture these reptiles.  After they do, they relocate them to safer environments.

Shooting GATOR 911 was trying and time consuming, but worth it. “My favorite episode was actually the first one,” recounts Saurage. “We rescued a momma gator and her babies and released them back into the wild.” The occupation isn’t without its dangers, he warned. “In episode two, Kent gets bit.” He continues, “The scariest experience I have ever had while catching an alligator is when the dow rod slipped out. The alligator grabbed my thumb and just about ripped it off. I had to have metal pins in it for quite some time.”

Saurage’s team is comprised of professionals whose personalities counter-balance each other. “The unique personalities in the team are one of the best parts of the show. We have extreme professionalism, structured free-spiritedness and down-home barefooted country in our crew,” Saurage tells us. This mix of personalities combined with true showmanship and a commitment to education, make attending a show at Gator Country an experience that you must not miss.

Gator Country is home to over 300 American alligators, six species of turtles, Sulkata tortoises, snakes and a 14 ½ foot python. At the park, your family will be allowed to feed the alligators, take pictures with the wildlife, touch the animals and hold the baby gators. Gator Country also has an on-site restaurant with great home style food.

During your travels throughout Southeast Texas, you may encounter an alligator or crocodile. If you do, Saurage and his team recommend that you enjoy viewing it from a distance. Do not get close. If you do want to get a closer view of alligators and crocodiles or learn more about them, stop by Gator Country.

Gator Country is located at 21159 FM 365 in Beaumont, Texas. You can get more information by calling (409) 794-WILD or visiting their Web site at www.gatorrescue.com. Before you leave, stop by their gift shop to get a unique souvenir to brag about. Mention you read about them in TRAVELHOST and Gator Country will give your family one free child admission to the park. Who knows, you might meet someone you have seen on GATOR 911.