The California Academy of Sciences recently announced that Claude, their popular albino alligator, has died at age 30.
The beloved gator, a fixture at the San Francisco institution for 17 years, brought “wows” and “cools” to millions of guests during his time there. (RELATED: Several Florida Police Officers Find Themselves In Wrestling Match With 600 Pound, 14-Foot Alligator)
“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,” stated the California Academy of Sciences in a press release.
Claude had recently been treated for a suspected infection after his appetite declined. Despite the efforts of an expert veterinary team, he passed away, according to the Dec. 2 announcement from the institution.
RIP Claude the Alligator. 🐊💔
San Francisco is saying goodbye to a legend. The beloved, rare albino alligator at the Cal Academy died Tuesday at 30 years old.
Here are 5 things you need to know about his amazing life. pic.twitter.com/ECpTEBhxz3
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) December 4, 2025
“He received the best possible care from the Steinhart Aquarium veterinarian and animal care teams. This heartbreaking outcome is not what we hoped for,” read the press release.
It was later revealed Dec. 3 that Claude died from extensive liver cancer, per the California Academy of Sciences.
Claude hatched Sept. 15, 1995 at a Louisiana alligator farm and arrived in San Francisco not much longer after the California Academy of Sciences opened its doors in 2008. As the only albino American alligator in the Academy’s swamp exhibit, the striking white reptile quickly became a star attraction, delighting more than a million visitors each year.
