Meet the Academy of Sciences' most famous resident, Claude "The Albino Alligator". He lives in The Swamp among his Alligator Snappy Turtle cousins, along with other aquatic neighbors. You may find him on his favorite rock, or you may find him in a corner like I did when I payed a visit. You can also get as close as eye level with him on the lower levels of the museum to see what life is like at the bottom of a swamp.
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For those of you that think this is just cruel to hold him in a small, tank of water, please keep in mind that Claude is different from the rest of the Alligators of his species, Alligator mississippiensis. He lacks completely of pigmentation which makes it hard for him to survive out in the wilderness. His albinsim causes him to have very poor eyesight, and his bright white skin makes it hard for him to camouflage with his environment, leaving him easy prey to hunters and it also does not help him in hunting for food. If you would like to learn more about him and about albino alligators, there are regular presentation at the museum.
Claude had moved into the Academy of Sciences in 2008. This particular species of Alligator has a lifespan of 30-50 years, and Claude was born in 1995. So I wish him a happy and long life there so many generations can enjoy the sight of a rare alligator, and learn more about him and other alligators like him.
Happy Wandering,
Alice.
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