UPDATE 12/3: Preliminary findings from the necropsy performed by experts at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and Steinhart Aquarium Senior Veterinarian Dr. Lana Krol revealed that Claude had extensive liver cancer with evidence of liver failure, as well as signs of systemic infection. Treatment options were limited and likely would have had minimal success. It is often difficult to diagnose health issues in apex predators due to their propensity to hide illness, and Claude’s behavior was normal until just a few weeks before his death. A change in the color and texture of Claude's skin was the clearest sign of his declining health, and prompted immediate action by his care team.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 2, 2025) — It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Claude, our beloved albino alligator, has passed away at the age of 30. Claude was an iconic California Academy of Sciences resident who many visitors formed deep connections with during his 17 year tenure. He brought joy to millions of people at the museum and across the world, his quiet charisma captivating the hearts of fans of all ages. Claude showed us the power of ambassador animals to connect people to nature and stoke curiosity to learn more about the world around us.
Claude’s dedicated care team had been monitoring him closely in recent weeks due to a waning appetite, and he was recently moved behind-the-scenes to undergo treatment for a suspected infection. He received the best possible care from the Steinhart Aquarium veterinarian and animal care teams. This heartbreaking outcome is not what we hoped for. A necropsy conducted at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine revealed the cause of death to be liver cancer with evidence of associated liver failure.
We know that the magnitude of this loss will be felt in proportion to how beloved Claude was by so many across the Bay Area and beyond. Claude was celebrated as the unofficial mascot of the Academy and San Francisco itself, and regularly received fan mail, gifts, and artwork from adoring fans across the world who conveyed just how much he meant to them. In September the Academy marked his 30th birthday with monthlong festivities that celebrated his impact in the museum, across the city, and on social media. Thousands turned out for an unforgettable birthday party featuring remarks from government officials and City leadership, and a memorable chomp from the birthday boy as he received a specially made alligator birthday cake (made of fish and ice).
The museum plans to hold a public memorial in the near future (details to come), but in the meantime encourages people to share their memories of Claude and messages for his dedicated animal care team by email at claude@calacademy.org, online at calacademy.org/claudeforever, or by post to California Academy of Sciences, Attn: Digital Engagement, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
Please join us in sending heartfelt thanks and condolences to the dedicated team of animal care specialists and veterinarians who provided the best care for Claude every day. And we thank our community for loving Claude so fiercely over the years. We will miss him dearly.
IMAGES and VIDEO for press use can be found here.