SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A rare albino alligator named Claude, beloved by fans around the world, died Tuesday, according to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. He was 30.
The Science Museum in Golden Gate Park is popular with schoolchildren and foreign tourists, and many children over the years have ended their visits clutching a mini Claude toy to take home. As the unofficial mascot of the museum and the city, Claude appeared in a children's book and in advertisements at bus and light rail stations.
The museum said in a statement that the alligator icon had a “quiet charisma” that captivated hearts during his 17 years in San Francisco. It also states that there are fewer than 200 albino alligators in the world.
“Claude showed us the power of animal ambassadors to connect people with nature and spark curiosity to learn more about the world around us,” the release said.
Claude was hatched in 1995 on an alligator farm in Louisiana and came to live at the Academy in 2008. He was born with albinism, a genetic mutation that made him appear white. His eyes appeared pinkish-red due to the blood vessels visible through the clear irises.
Albino alligators do not survive long in the wild, but in captivity, American alligators can live up to 70 years. In September, the museum celebrated Claude's 30th birthday with celebrations, speeches and a special alligator skin birthday cake made from fish and ice.
Claude, who was 10 feet (3 meters) tall and weighed 300 pounds (136 kilograms), had recently been treated for a suspected infection after showing signs of decreased appetite. The University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine will evaluate Claude to determine the possible cause of death.
The museum will hold a public memorial for Claude, but for now people can share memories of Claude and send messages to his care team at the California Academy of Sciences.
