Claude, San Francisco's Famous Albino Alligator, Dies at 30

Claude, the beloved albino alligator and a top attraction at the California Academy of Sciences, has died. He was 30 years old. The alligator was a resident of the museum's Steinhart Aquarium for over two decades. His unique white skin and pink eyes, caused by a rare genetic condition, made him a favorite among visitors. Albino alliginas like Claude are exceptionally rare in the wild. Their lack of protective coloring makes them easy targets for predators and sensitive to sunlight. The Academy announced his death but did not provide an immediate cause. Staff described him as an "icon" who inspired curiosity about wildlife and conservation for millions of guests.