Claude (alligator)

Claude (hatched September 15, 1995) is an albino alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) at the California Academy of Sciences. Claude lacks the pigment melanin, resulting in colorless skin, and he has poor eyesight associated with his albinism.

Claude
Claude in 2008 in his swamp at the California Academy of Sciences
SpeciesAlligator mississippiensis
SexMale
Hatched (1995-09-15) September 15, 1995
OccupationExhibit
OwnerCalifornia Academy of Sciences
Weight222 lb (101 kg)

Background

Claude was hatched on September 15, 1995, in Florida, weighing 2 ounces (57 g).[1] He weighs 222 pounds (101 kg) and is 9 feet 5 inches (2.87 m) long.[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 eye-sight due to his albinism.[1]

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Claude (alligator).
  1. Guthrie, Julian (September 14, 2010). "Albino alligator Claude to mark 15th birthday". SFGate. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  2. "Famous gator gets a check-up". June 10, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  3. "Albino alligator Claude to mark 15th birthday". SF gate. Retrieved August 8, 2015.
  4. 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.
  5. "The Swamp". California Academy of Sciences. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
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