Claude (hatched September 15, 1995) is an albino alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California, United States. Claude lacks the pigment melanin, resulting in colorless skin, and he has poor eyesight associated with his albinism.
 Claude in 2008 in his swamp at the California Academy of Sciences | |
| Species | Alligator mississippiensis |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Hatched | September 15, 1995 |
| Owner | California Academy of Sciences |
| Weight | 222 lb (101 kg) |
Background
editClaude was hatched on September 15, 1995, in Florida, weighing 2 ounces (57 g).[1] He weighed 222 pounds (101 kg) and was 9 feet 5 inches (2.87 m) long as of 2013.[2] He has 76 teeth.[1]
He was in danger in the wilderness owing to albinism which did not allow him to camouflage into his surroundings like other alligators. There are only a couple of dozen known albino alligators in the world, all in captivity.[3] Claude was taken to the California Academy of Sciences in 2008.[1] In 2009, a finger on Claude's right claw was amputated after developing an infection from being bitten by another alligator.[4]
Claude appears completely white because he lacks the pigment melanin.[5] He also has poor eyesight due to his albinism.[1]
References
edit
- ^ a b c d Guthrie, Julian (September 14, 2010). "Albino alligator Claude to mark 15th birthday". SFGate. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
- ^ "Famous gator gets a check-up". June 10, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
- ^ "Albino alligator Claude to mark 15th birthday". SF gate. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
- ^ Rubenstein, Steve (February 9, 2015). "Tough times for koi continue as S.F. aquarium looks to sever ties". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
- ^ "The Swamp". California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved August 7, 2015.