The reptile, the myth, the legend, the local albino celebrity, Claude the alligator has turned
30 years old!
The California Academy of Sciences star celebrated 30 years of Claude with a 30 day celebration–called the “Hatchbash”–throughout the month of September.
In 1995, Claude hatched on an alligator farm in New Orleans, Louisiana. After his hatching, he was transferred to a specialty zoo in Florida. He resided there for 13 years until 2008, being brought across the country to the California Academy of Sciences.
In the early days of Claude’s residence at the Academy, he lived with a female green-colored alligator, Bonnie. But, in early 2009, Bonnie was found to have bitten Claude’s pinky toe, causing the pair to be separated. Claude returned to the Academy afterwards, now with the spotlight solely on his pearly white skin and big toothy smile.
Claude has become quite a celebrity throughout the years, with the albino alligator catching the eyes of hundreds every day. Though Claude himself couldn’t provide any quotes, Emma, working in Guest Experience at the Academy, said that the Hatchbash has been, “Pretty fun!
It’s been fun seeing people dress up and it’s enjoyable to see people celebrate his birthday from all over California.”
The Academy was decorated with striking posters of Claude, statues, and even a mascot of Claude walking around. Activities included writing a happy birthday card and buying hoodies with his likeness, and taking photos with Claude. Many agree that the Claude cut-out hats really chomped down on making this party a true birthday bash.
Visiting Claude’s exhibit, Brock Garcia ’26 said, “I think it was great. I really thought the huge birthday card that everyone could write on was great, and shows just how much everyone appreciates how long he’s been around.”
”He added, “I had a great time seeing all of that and showing some love to this dude Claude.”
One interesting fact about Claude, is that “Since he is mostly blind and doesn’t move around a lot, his hands are very soft,” said Emma “He’s our little pampered princess with his heated rock, hand- fed food, and his pet turtle. He’s a very chill guy.”
