San Francisco albino alligator Claude dead at 30
A beloved albino alligator named Claude, who captured the hearts of fans around the world, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 30, as announced by the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.
Claude, a rare albino alligator, was a popular attraction at the science museum in Golden Gate Park, drawing in Bay Area school children and tourists from all over. Many visitors, especially children, would leave the museum with a mini Claude stuffed animal as a memento of their visit.
As an unofficial mascot of the museum and the city, Claude was featured in a children’s book and appeared in advertisements at bus and light-rail stations. The museum described Claude as having a “quiet charisma” that endeared him to everyone during his 17 years in San Francisco. It is estimated that there are fewer than 200 albino alligators in the world.
Claude was hatched in 1995 at an alligator farm in Louisiana and arrived at the Academy in 2008. Born with albinism, a genetic mutation that gave him a white appearance, Claude had pinkish-red eyes due to visible blood vessels in his clear irises.
While albino alligators do not typically survive long in the wild, American alligators like Claude can live up to 70 years in captivity. In September, the museum celebrated Claude’s 30th birthday with festivities, speeches, and a special alligator birthday cake made of fish and ice.
Standing at 10 feet and weighing 300 pounds, Claude recently underwent treatment for a suspected infection after showing signs of a reduced appetite. The University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine will conduct an examination to determine the possible cause of death.
The museum plans to hold a public memorial for Claude, and in the meantime, people can share memories of him and send messages to his human care team at the California Academy of Sciences. Claude’s legacy as an ambassador animal will continue to inspire curiosity and connect people to the wonders of the natural world.
