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 |
| Owner | California Academy of Sciences |
| Weight | 222 lb (101 kg) |
Claude is a special alligator who was born on September 15, 1995. He is an albino alligator, which means his skin is completely white. This is because he lacks a natural coloring substance called melanin. Claude lives at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California, USA. Because he is albino, Claude also has poor eyesight.
Claude's Early Life
Claude was born in Florida on September 15, 1995. When he was born, he weighed only about 2 ounces (57 grams). Being an albino alligator made life in the wild very dangerous for him. Alligators usually have dark skin that helps them hide in their swampy homes. Claude's white skin made it impossible for him to camouflage, so he couldn't hide from predators or sneak up on his food.
Because of this danger, Claude was taken to live at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida. This park helped keep him safe as he grew bigger.
Life at the Academy
In 2008, Claude moved to his new home at the California Academy of Sciences. When he first arrived, he shared his habitat with another alligator named Bonnie. Bonnie was not an albino.
In January 2009, Bonnie accidentally bit one of Claude's right fingers. The bite caused an infection, and sadly, his finger had to be removed to keep him healthy. After this, Bonnie was moved back to Florida. Claude has lived by himself in his habitat ever since.
As of 2013, Claude weighed about 222 pounds (101 kilograms). He was also about 9 feet 5 inches (2.87 meters) long. Claude has 76 teeth, which he uses to grab his food. His skin is completely white because he does not have melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin. His albinism also means he doesn't see very well.
