Claude, Beloved Albino Alligator at SF’s Cal Academy, Dead at 30

Claude, the bright white alligator and unofficial mascot of the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, died at age 30, the museum announced on Tuesday.

“He brought joy to millions of people at the museum and across the world, his quiet charisma captivating the hearts of fans of all ages,” the museum wrote in a press release.

Believed to have been one of the oldest albino alligators in human care, Claude had been under observation from his care team in recent months due to waning appetite, and he was recently moved to receive treatment for what is believed to be an infection.

A full exam and necropsy at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine will yield more info about the cause of Claude’s death, according to the Cal Academy.

“This heartbreaking outcome is not what we hoped for,” the museum said. “We know that the magnitude of this loss will be felt in proportion to how beloved Claude was by so many across the Bay Area and beyond.”

An American alligator, Claude, measured 10 feet from snout to tail and weighed 300 pounds. He was hatched on an alligator farm in Louisiana on Sept. 15, 1995, according to the Cal Academy.

One of fewer than 200 alligators with albinism in the world, Claude was transferred to a zoo in Florida as a banana-sized baby, since his coloring made camouflage impossible and would have left him vulnerable to predators in the wild.

In August 2008, when the Cal Academy was preparing to reopen after a remodel, the staff sought a unique alligator and found Claude to be a perfect fit. Claude also briefly lived with another alligator, Bonnie, until she was removed for biting off his toe. For the rest of his life, Claude resided with three snapping turtles named Morla, Donatella and Raphael.

In September, the museum kicked off monthlong 30th “hatchday” festivities celebrating his impact throughout the city and on social media. Thousands turned out for a party featuring remarks from government officials and city leadership, as well as a special alligator birthday cake made of fish and ice.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Claude “a cold-blooded icon” of the museum, who “connected millions to the wonders of science.”

“Our city won’t be the same without him!” she wrote on social media.

“Rest in peace Claude the albino alligator,” wrote another fan on X. “My daughter has a stuffy of you and has been visiting you her whole life. We will miss you!”

The museum said it will hold a public memorial in the near future. Officials encouraged Claude’s fans to share their memories and messages for his dedicated animal care team by email at claude@calacademy.org or by post to California Academy of Sciences, Attn: Digital Engagement, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.