A Florida alligator named Darth Gator has become an online sensation after it was discovered that he only responds to ‘The Imperial March’, the iconic theme song of Star Wars villain Darth Vader. Residing at Everglades Holiday Park, Darth Gator is known for his strong reaction to the music, emerging from his pit every time it plays.
The sanctuary posted a video of Darth Gator’s remarkable response, stating, “Darth Gator hearing check. It’s pretty amazing that he responds to his own theme song, and comes straight to Paul [Bedard].” Paul Bedard, an alligator wrangler and expert from the Animal Planet show ‘Gator Boys’, works at the park, located west of Fort Lauderdale. He is renowned for his role as a rescuer and airboat guide in the Everglades National Park.
In the viral video, Bedard plays the ‘Star Wars’ theme music, saying, “It’s ‘The Imperial March’. [Let’s] see if Darth Vader reacts to his music again.” Despite Bedard thinking the song wasn’t loud, it was just within Darth’s earshot, and the alligator promptly marched over. “It doesn’t take much,” Bedard explains.
Watch:
this gator named Darth Vader only comes when his theme song is played 😭 pic.twitter.com/ZGhH4C5kmQ
— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) November 8, 2024
Interestingly, while all the other alligators remain in the pit, Darth Gator is the only one who responds. A commenter noted, “He’s even marching in perfect timing!” Another remarked, “That’s so Florida.” Later in the video, Bedard cautiously feeds Darth, asking him to keep some distance. Darth’s eyes gleam, seemingly filled with satisfaction or joy.
Florida, home to the second-largest population of American alligators in the U.S., boasts about 1.25 million gators, with only Louisiana having more. Bedard and his team are committed to rescuing alligators, particularly large, aggressive “nuisance” gators that are often killed by authorities for public safety.