SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Claude, a beloved albino alligator at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, has died, museum officials announced Tuesday. He was 30.
Claude arrived at the museum 17 years ago and quickly formed deep connections with visitors, officials at the California Academy of Sciences said.
He celebrated his 30th birthday in September, with museum officials celebrating his impact on the museum with a month full of festivities and an “unforgettable” birthday party. That party was attended by thousands, including government officials and city leaders.
It also featured a “memorable chomp” from Claude, who was given a special birthday cake made out of fish and ice.
“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,” museum officials said in a statement Tuesday. “Claude showed us the power of ambassador animals to connect people to nature and stoke curiosity to learn more about the world around us.”
Claude’s cause of death remains unclear. He was being monitored over the last few weeks after he appeared to lose his appetite and was undergoing treatment for what his care team thought may have been an infection.
A full exam and necropsy will be conducted at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to find out more about what caused his death.
Officials at the California Academy of Sciences plan to hold a public memorial for Claude in the near future. Details will be announced at a later date, but museum officials encourage people in the meantime to share their memories of Claude or send messages to his care team at claude@calacademy.org.