‘Iconic swamp king’: San Francisco’s beloved albino alligator dies aged 30 | San Francisco
Claude, the beloved albino alligator who called the California Academy of Sciences home for the better part of two decades, has died at the age of 30.
The San Francisco museum announced its death Tuesday, saying the reptile had been treated for a “suspected infection” in recent weeks. Claude, with his unusual white scales, had become something of a mascot for the academy and the city. He was the subject of a children’s book and regularly received fan mail and gifts from around the world, the museum said.
“He brought joy to millions of people at the museum and around the world, his quiet charisma captivating the hearts of fans of all ages.” expression Read from the museum. “Claude showed us the power of ambassador animals to connect people to nature and spark curiosity to learn more about the world around us.”
In September, the museum celebrated his 30th birthday with a month-long festivities honoring the “iconic swamp king.”
Claude was hatched on September 15, 1999, at an alligator farm in Louisiana. His color and poor eyesight would limit his ability to survive in the wild; An alligator’s life expectancy in the wild is generally between 30 and 50 years.
He spent his first 13 years at a zoo in Florida. He arrived at the California Academy of Sciences in 2008 as one of fewer than 200 albino alligators in the world. It became a valuable and famous symbol of the museum; where officials said he lived an “enviable life” with enrichment, “first-class” veterinary care and “the praise of fans around the world.”
Academy at the beginning of this year started 24/7 live streaming that allows people near and far to see the crocodile going about its daily life.
The museum said Claude’s “appetite had diminished” in recent weeks and he was moved “behind the scenes” to receive care.
“This heartbreaking outcome was not what we expected. A full examination and autopsy at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine will provide more information about the cause of death,” the California Academy of Sciences said in a statement.
“We know that the magnitude of this loss will be felt in proportion to how much Claude was loved by so many people in the Bay Area and beyond.”
The museum said a public memorial service will be held in the near future.
