Claude, the albino alligator who was an iconic resident of the California Academy of Sciences and an unofficial mascot for San Francisco, has died at 30, the museum announced Tuesday.
Claude had been moved behind the scenes in recent weeks as his appetite began to wane, according to the academy. He was undergoing treatment for a suspected infection when he died.
A necropsy will be conducted at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Born Sept. 15, 1995, in Louisiana, Claude arrived at Steinhart Aquarium soon after the museum reopened in 2008 and became one of its most popular attractions. His pale coloring, a result of albinism, and calm demeanor drew millions of visitors. After he swallowed a ballet slipper that fell into his swamp, it had to be retrieved via a special instrument shipped overnight from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
He weighed 300 pounds and enjoyed 1,250 grams of frozen rats each week. His swamp-mates were the snapping turtles Donatello, Raphael, and Morla. His alligator partner in crime, Bonnie, was removed from his tank after biting off Claude’s toe in 2009.
A month-long “Hatch Day” celebration in September included a different Claude-themed souvenir every day, swamp-side drawing workshops, an all-white-attire “swamp soiree,” one-of-a-kind screen-printed shirts from San Franpsycho, a kid-size “Claude’s Chomper” bowl at MIXT’s Inner Sunset location, and the limited-edition IPA “The Big 3-0” from Oakland United Beerworks.
“Claude showed us the power of ambassador animals to connect people to nature and stoke curiosity to learn more about the world around us,” the academy said in a statement.
The alligator regularly received fan mail, gifts, and artwork from admirers around the world.
The museum said it plans to hold a public memorial, with details to be announced.
Those wishing to share memories of Claude or messages for his care team can email [email protected] or write to California Academy of Sciences, Attn: Digital Engagement, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
