SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Claude, an albino alligator that was beloved by generations of visitors to the California Academy of Sciences, has passed away. The academy confirmed Claude’s death in a post on its Facebook page.
Claude was 30 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Claude, our beloved albino alligator, has passed away at the age of 30,” the academy wrote. “Claude was an iconic Academy resident who many visitors formed deep connections with during his 17 year tenure.”
On Wednesday, the academy released Claude’s preliminary cause of death.
“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,” said the California Academy of Sciences. “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.”
Claude’s distinct appearance was due to albinism — a complete lack of pigment — that made him appear white. Claude was hatched in Louisiana in 1995 and first arrived at the California Academy of Sciences in 2008.
“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,” the Academy said. “Claude showed us the power of ambassador animals to connect people to nature and stoke curiosity to learn more about the world around us.”
According to the academy, Claude’s in-house care team had been monitoring him closely in recent weeks due to waning appetite. Recently, he was 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,” the academy said. “This heartbreaking outcome is not what we hoped for.”
Tributes are pouring in across social media for Claude.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi wrote, “San Francisco is heartbroken by the loss of Claude — our city’s distinguished albino alligator who was taken from us in his prime at just 30. Claude was a cold-blooded icon of @calacademy who connected millions to the wonders of science. Our city won’t be the same without him!”
A full exam and necropsy for Claude will be conducted at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The academy also said that a public memorial will be held for the alligator in the near future.