San Francisco Mourns Claude, Beloved Albino Alligator, After His Death at 30
Claude, the rare albino alligator and unofficial mascot of San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences, has died at age 30, prompting a public memorial for the beloved reptile.
Overview
Claude, the beloved albino alligator and unofficial mascot of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, recently passed away at the age of 30.
Hatched in Louisiana in 1995, Claude was a rare reptile, being one of fewer than 200 albino alligators known to exist worldwide.
He had recently celebrated his 30th birthday with festivities at the museum before undergoing treatment for a suspected infection.
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine will conduct a full examination and necropsy to determine the exact cause of Claude's death.
The California Academy of Sciences plans to hold a public memorial in the near future to honor the iconic "swamp king" in San Francisco.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a tribute to a cherished public figure, emphasizing the albino alligator Claude's widespread popularity and emotional impact. They consistently highlight his role as a beloved mascot and ambassador animal, focusing on the collective sense of loss rather than solely reporting the factual details of his passing. This approach cultivates a narrative of mourning a significant community icon.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Claude was rare because he was an albino alligator, a condition that affects fewer than 200 alligators worldwide. Albinism results in a lack of melanin, giving him white skin and poor eyesight, which makes survival in the wild extremely difficult.
Claude was moved to the California Academy of Sciences in 2008 because his unique appearance made him a perfect fit for the museum's exhibit, and he would be safer in captivity than in the wild, where his albinism would make him vulnerable to predators.
The exact cause of Claude's death is not yet known. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine will conduct a full examination and necropsy to determine the cause.
Claude became a beloved figure due to his unique appearance, his status as a rare albino alligator, and his role as the unofficial mascot of the California Academy of Sciences. He was celebrated by millions of visitors and even had a 24/7 livestream dedicated to him.
Bonnie, the non-albino female alligator Claude was housed with, bit one of Claude's fingers in 2009, causing an infection that led to amputation. Bonnie was then moved back to Florida.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.