Claude, a rare albino alligator that has been a resident of San Francisco’s California Academy of Sciences for 17 years, has died. He was 30 years old.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the museum shared that Claude was recently moved behind the scenes so that his care team could monitor and treat him for a suspected infection. Although he received the “best possible care” from the Steinhart Aquarium veterinarian and animal care teams, the beloved alligator has died.
“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 California Academy of Sciences wrote in a press release. “Claude showed us the power of ambassador animals to connect people to nature and stoke curiosity to learn more about the world around us.”
Claude, San Francisco’s beloved albino alligator.
Gayle Laird/California Academy of Sciences
Noting that a full exam and necropsy will be conducted at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the museum also shared its plans to hold a public memorial in the near future. After all, Claude was a beloved member of the community.
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“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,” the museum continued.
The institution added that “Claude was celebrated as the unofficial mascot of the Academy and San Francisco itself, and regularly received fan mail, gifts, and artwork from adoring fans across the world who conveyed just how much he meant to them.”
Claude, San Francisco’s beloved albino alligator.
Gayle Laird/California Academy of Sciences
Claude was hatched in a Louisiana swamp before spending 13 years at Florida’s St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park and then ultimately landing on the West Coast.
Just a few months before his death, the Academy marked Claude’s 30th birthday with month-long festivities that celebrated his profound impact on the community.
According to the Academy, “Thousands turned out for an unforgettable birthday party featuring remarks from government officials and City leadership, and a memorable chomp from the birthday boy as he received a specially made alligator birthday cake (made of fish and ice).”