The albino alligator at the California Academy of Sciences, Claude, turned 30-years-old this year. Claude has lived in the Academy’s Steinhart Aquarium and has been cared for by the dedicated team since 2008. The celebration of this milestone included a month-long party for Claude where he was treated with a “cake” made of fish, squash and ice on his “hatchday.” For party guests there were featured giveaways of Claude-themed souvenirs, daily and special events such as Swamp Talks, Claude Storytime, illustration workshops and a meet and greet opportunity with the good boy himself (as a mascot).
Once a banana-sized baby, the beloved, now 300-pound alligator, remains one of the about 100 alligators affected by albinism in the world and is visited by around a million people each year. Ever since his arrival to the Academy, Claude has been a representation of his species and conservation of wildlife. Claude has garnered millions of fans globally since his arrival to the Academy.
The event kicked off with appearances from local government officials from Senator Scott Wiener, City Attorney David Chiu, Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Mayor Daniel Lurie…