SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Cal Academy announced on social media Tuesday that its iconic and beloved albino alligator, Claude, has passed away.
He had just celebrated his 30th birthday this year.
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Claude’s dedicated care team had reportedly been monitoring him closely in recent weeks due to a waning appetite, and he recently underwent treatment for a suspected infection.
A full necropsy will be conducted at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Cal Academy says that a public memorial will be held for Claude in the near future, with more details to come.
FROM THE ABC7 ARCHIVE: Claude, the albino alligator’s, dramatic arrival at the Cal Academy in SF
Claude the albino alligator is one of the biggest superstars at Cal Academy in San Francisco. Here’s a look back at the beloved gator’s dramatic arrival in San Francisco.
Cal Academy posted the following heartfelt message on Instagram:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Claude, our beloved albino alligator, has passed away at the age of 30. Claude was an iconic Academy resident who many visitors formed deep connections with during his 17 year tenure. 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.
We know that the magnitude of this loss will be felt in proportion to how beloved Claude was by so many across the Bay Area and beyond. Claude was celebrated as the unofficial mascot of the Academy and San Francisco itself, and regularly received fan mail, gifts, and artwork from adoring fans around the world. In September many of you helped us celebrate his 30th birthday with monthlong festivities that highlighted his impact in the museum, across the city, and on social media. We know how much Claude meant to so many of you, and that love means so much to us.
Claude’s dedicated care team had been monitoring him closely in recent weeks due to a waning appetite, and he was recently 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. This heartbreaking outcome is not what we hoped for. A full exam and necropsy, to be conducted at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, will yield more information about the cause of death.
We plan to hold a public memorial in the near future (details to come), but in the meantime we encourage you to share your memories of Claude and messages for his dedicated animal care team by email at claude@calacademy.org or by post to California Academy of Sciences, Attn: Digital Engagement, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118.
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