Claude (alligator) facts for kids
Claude in 2008 in his swamp at the California Academy of Sciences
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| Species | Alligator mississippiensis |
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| Sex | Male |
| Hatched | September 15, 1995 Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | December 2, 2025 (aged 30) San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Owner | California Academy of Sciences |
| Weight | 300 lb (140 kg) |
Claude was a very special albino American alligator. He lived at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California. Claude was born on September 15, 1995, and he passed away on December 2, 2025. He was known for his unique white appearance and his calm personality.
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Meet Claude, the Albino Alligator
Claude was an American alligator, a type of large reptile. These animals are usually found in the southeastern United States. What made Claude so special was his albinism. This is a genetic condition that meant he did not have the usual dark coloring of other alligators. Instead, Claude was completely white.
Early Life and Special Needs
Claude hatched in Louisiana on September 15, 1995. When he was born, he weighed only about 2 ounces (57 g). Because of his albinism, Claude faced many challenges in the wild. His white skin made it very hard for him to hide from predators. Other alligators could blend into their swampy homes, but Claude stood out.
To keep him safe, Claude was first raised at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida. This special care helped him grow big and strong.
Life at the California Academy of Sciences
In 2008, Claude moved to his new home at the California Academy of Sciences. This famous museum and research center in San Francisco became his permanent residence.
A Special Alligator's Home
When Claude first arrived, he shared his habitat with another alligator named Bonnie. However, they had an incident where Claude got a small injury to one of his fingers. He needed special care, and Bonnie was later moved to a different home. This ensured Claude could live comfortably and safely.
Claude grew quite large during his time at the Academy. By 2025, he weighed about 300 pounds (140 kg) and was 10 feet (3.0 m) long. He had an impressive 76 teeth!
Claude's Unique Traits
Claude's albinism meant he lacked melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. This is why he looked entirely white. Another effect of albinism was that Claude had poor eyesight. This made his need for a safe, controlled environment even more important.
Claude was more than just an animal exhibit. He became a wonderful teaching tool for the Academy. Visitors learned about alligators, albinism, and wildlife conservation through him. Biologists who cared for Claude said he even responded to voice commands and knew his name. In April 2025, the Academy launched the 'Claude Cam'. This was a 24/7 livestream where people could watch Claude from anywhere.
Remembering Claude
Claude lived a long life for an alligator, reaching 30 years old. He passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025. Before his passing, he had been feeling unwell and received the best possible care from his dedicated team. Doctors later found that he had a serious illness. Claude will always be remembered as a beloved and unique resident of the California Academy of Sciences.
