The legendary white alligator Claude has died: The symbol of San Francisco turned 30 years old.

According to ТСН: The California Academy of Sciences reported the death of the famous resident of San Francisco – the albino alligator named Claude. This animal, which had been a symbol of the city for many years, passed away at the age of 30. In a statement from the Academy, it was emphasized that this news represents a significant blow to the team and many visitors who have observed Claude during his time.

In recent weeks, Claude had been treated by veterinarians for loss of appetite and was later moved for treatment due to a suspected infection. At this point, the exact cause of death has not been revealed, but an autopsy is expected to provide more information in the near future.

Features of Claude

Claude was born on September 15, 1995, on a farm in Louisiana and immediately attracted attention due to his rare albinism. His skin was bright white and his eyes had a reddish tint, which affected his vision. In the wild, such traits make animals vulnerable, but thanks to the constant care of professionals, Claude managed to survive.

The path to popularity

The first 13 years of his life were spent at the St. Augustine Farm in Florida. In 2008, he moved to the Steinhart Aquarium of the California Academy of Sciences, where he became one of the most popular residents. Visitors wrote him letters, drawings, poems, and toys, and many came to the museum just to meet him.

This year, Claude turned 30 years old, and his birthday was celebrated for a whole month in San Francisco. Various events were organized for this occasion, including his virtual appearance at the music festival and a treasure hunt for plush figures. A celebration was organized for him at the aquarium, with a 'cake' made of fish and ice.

We remind that the study of mating calls and DNA in the Namib Desert led to the discovery that three known species of barking geckos are actually nine.

The death of Claude was a significant loss not only for his supporters but also for the staff of the California Academy of Sciences. Claude leaves a lasting impression in the history of the aquarium and will forever be remembered by those who knew him. This shows how important it is to protect and preserve rare animals that can be vital components of our ecology and culture.