Claude the Albino Alligator’s Memorial Was as Iconic as He Was

An estimated two thousand Bay Area residents flocked to San Francisco on Sunday, Jan. 18 to celebrate the life of Claude, the California Academy of Sciences’ iconic albino alligator. Claude died last month at 30 years old after he was diagnosed with liver cancer.

A free event at Golden Gate Park’s Bandshell, Claude Forever: A Celebration of Life featured speakers, a costume contest and a jazz funeral led by the uplifting MJ’s Brass Boppers — in honor of Claude’s origins in Louisiana, where he was hatched. Ultimately, though, the memorial was San Francisco through and through.

“We’re out here today to celebrate Claude,” said Sister T’aint A Virgin, who was one of five Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in attendance. “He stood for the inclusion and the diversity that San Francisco is famous for, and that’s the heart blood of our city. He was living his life boldly and out loud. As a fellow animal that paints their face in white, I figured it was the best opportunity to show up and show out for community as well.”

Children in attendance had plenty of amusements, with tables for crafts and face painting. Most delightfully of all, there was a special storytime hosted by new Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets and San Francisco Drag Laureate Per Sia. In the midst of his reading of Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator by Emma Bland Smith, Threets led his young charges in a chant of “How different, how wonderful!” before emphasizing: “We all belong. That’s what Claude taught us.” Unsurprisingly, Per Sia’s crowd work was on point throughout her reading of We Are All Connected by Gabi Garcia and Natalia Jimenez Osorio, sharing the mic — and many fist bumps —with enthralled kids.

The children’s joy felt especially appropriate for Claude’s final big celebration.

“[Claude] was a steady presence, teaching my children without words about curiosity, about respect for living things and about the joy of simply observing the world as it is,” California State Assemblymember Catherine Stefani noted from the stage. “In a city full of icons, Claude became one of the most beloved without ever seeking the spotlight.”

One of the most moving moments of the morning came when Sasha Miller, a 17-year-old writer representing 826 Valencia’s Youth Poet program, recited her poem, Claude. In part, she read:

Difference lived within his body,
visible, undeniable, true,
not something to correct or hide,
but something held and valued too.

In a city that shelters the uncommon,
that gathers what the world lets go,
Claude became its living emblem,
proof that care can let things grow.

Claude Forever was also a catalyst for humor. During the closest moment to a traditional eulogy, Senior Director of Steinhart Aquarium Bart Shepherd had crowds cracking up. Among his alligator anecdotes was a highly amusing tale about the battle to recover a 12-year-old girl’s shoe after Claude swallowed it — all while a fire alarm was going off. Shepherd brought the recovered ballet flat with him as proof of the episode. “As you can imagine,” he said, “it’s no small feat to get a shoe out of an alligator.”

More laughs erupted at the Claude costume contest that followed. First, adorable kids under 12 paraded, many wearing brand-new Claude hoodies complete with hoods shaped like his head. Grown-ups showed up in their best Claude finery too. One contest participant, Angela Chung, dressed up as Claude in heaven, complete with gold mask for Mardi Gras.

Chung, who grew up in Fremont and attended her Washington High School prom at the Academy, loved Claude for his vulnerabilities. “I think he’s so special and unique,” she told KQED. “He was born with a condition that, if he was in the wild, he would have not survived. He was too delicate for this world. I feel like, in a way, we can all relate — the world is very harsh. That’s how I relate to him. I’m glad that he found a home at the Academy and people all around the world could come and see him.”

Costume contest winner Mark Mezak — who wore a papier-mache Claude head, white ankle boots, pearls and a parasol — also saw the beloved alligator as a great uniter.

“He’s something we all share in common as people who visit the Academy,” Mezak told KQED. “He’s also exothermic, which means he regulates his temperature based on his environment. Our actions affect the environment and how others can thrive and survive. So I think he represents how we’re all connected to each other.”

One of the funniest moments of the contest was when bubbly host Dion Lim asked for pets in costume to step forward. When none did, a woman casually wandered to the stage with her costume-less dog. “We have a white dog, everyone!” Lim declared. The owner of Maizie the white dog quipped back, “He’s been preparing for this moment his whole life.”

Other speakers at Claude Forever included State Senator Scott Wiener and Cal Academy’s Executive Director Scott Sampson. District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar and Recreation and Parks General Manager Sarah Madland also jointly announced the renaming of a street near the Academy. The two proudly held aloft the new “Claude the Alligator Way” sign before posing for photos.

Heartfelt notices from Cal Academy that were posted around the park thanked attendees for the outpouring the museum has received since losing Claude. “We’re deeply grateful for the kind messages, warm memories and generous gifts shared in Claude’s honor,” the signs said, “and for the role you’ve played in making his home so beloved.”