California Academy’s Albino Alligator Claude Dies at 30

Overview

Claude, a 30-year-old albino alligator at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, died on Tuesday. The museum announced his sudden passing on Tuesday.

Necropsy findings

A necropsy performed by a team from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine found end-stage liver cancer and liver failure, and a systemic infection.

The California Academy of Sciences said the preliminary findings were announced on Thursday.

Background on Claude

Claude spent 17 years at the California Academy of Sciences and had just turned 30 in September.

Timeline of events and care

In the weeks before his death, Claude's appetite waned. About 10 days before death, his skin color and texture changed and he appeared pink, leading to the suspicion of infection. He was treated with antibiotics, which the care team reported he responded to positively. On Monday he was observed swimming in his holding tank and playing in a waterfall that comes from one of the filters, and he died the following morning.

Reactions and statements

The museum said there has been an outpouring of compassionate support from around the Bay Area and the world since Claude's death. Bart Shepherd, a senior director at Steinhart Aquarium within the California Academy of Sciences, and Scott Sampson, the executive director, described Claude as a notable presence who inspired visitors and supported the museum’s mission to connect people with nature.