Exceptional birth at an American Zoo: Unusual alligator hatched
The Gatorland Zoo in Orlando, Florida, has announced the hatching of a peculiarly colored alligator. Park staff assures that this white alligator is not an albino, despite its uncommon coloring.
1:53 PM EST, December 8, 2023
The newest addition to Gatorland Orlando weighs a mere 0.21 lbs and measures 19.29 inches. This unusually white alligator is the first leucistic reptile known to have hatched under human care. It was born alongside a sibling, who, like their parents, features a more standard green-brown hue.
The White Alligator is a product of leucism
The alligator's rare white coloration is a manifestation of leucism, a genetic condition often mistaken for albinism. Unlike albinos, leucistic alligators do not completely lose their pigment. They often have patches of natural coloration on their skin, and their eyes are not pink, but instead, are often blue.
Leucism causes a lack of darker skin pigmentation, making the affected animals susceptible to sunburn if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. This is why leucistic alligators are the rarest genetic variant among American alligators, as stated by Gatorland Orlando's authorities.
"For the first time since the discovery of a leucistic alligator's nest in the swamps of Louisiana 36 years ago, we are witnessing the first recorded birth of a white alligator in captivity," announced Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland, in a statement.
The white alligator is currently under the professional care of the park staff. They anticipate that visitors will be able to view this unique creature by next year.
For now, the zoo is seeking the public's help in choosing a name for this special reptile. Suggestions can be submitted in the comments section of Gatorland's social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, Platform X, and Instagram.
