A rare albino alligator named Claude who was beloved by fans around the world died Tuesday, according to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. He was 30.<\/p>\n
The science museum in Golden Gate Park is popular with Bay Area school children and international tourists, and many kids over the years have ended their visits clutching a mini Claude stuffed animal to take home.<\/p>\n
As an unofficial mascot of the museum and the city, Claude appeared in a children\u2019s book and in ads at bus and light-rail stations.<\/p>\n
Claude, a rare albino alligator at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, died. AP<\/p>\n
The alligator icon had a \u201cquiet charisma\u201d that captivated hearts in his 17 years in San Francisco, the museum said in a statement. It has also said there are fewer than 200 albino alligators in the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cClaude showed us the power of ambassador animals to connect people to nature and stoke curiosity to learn more about the world around us,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
Claude hatched in 1995 at an alligator farm in Louisiana, and came to live at the Academy in 2008. He was born with albinism, a genetic mutation that made him appear white.<\/p>\n
His eyes looked pinkish-red because of blood vessels that were visible through his clear irises.<\/p>\n
Albino alligators do not survive for long in the wild, but American alligators can live up to 70 in captivity.<\/p>\n
The museum rang in Claude\u2019s 30th birthday in September with festivities, speeches and a special alligator birthday cake made of fish and ice.<\/p>\n
Claude hatched in 1995 at an alligator farm in Louisiana, and came to live at the Academy in 2008. He was born with albinism, a genetic mutation that made him appear white. Getty Images<\/p>\n
Albino alligators do not survive for long in the wild, but American alligators can live up to 70 in captivity. Getty Images<\/p>\n
Claude, who was 10 feet and 300 pounds, recently underwent treatment for a suspected infection after showing signs of a reduced appetite.<\/p>\n
The University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine will exam Claude to learn of a possible cause of death.<\/p>\n