After weeks of medical observation, the Academy of Sciences confirmed the death of California’s most famous alligator. Claude, the albino alligator who for years was the most beloved figure at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, died at age 30, the institution announced. His passing closes a chapter for thousands of students, tourists, and locals who had come to see him as an unofficial mascot of the city.
Born in Louisiana in 1995 and transferred to the Steinhart Aquarium in 2008, Claude was never a candidate for life in the wild. His albinism and reduced vision made survival impossible outside captivity. At the Academy he became an ambassador: his white skin and calm temperament made him a star during guided tours, livestreams, and public events, including the celebration of his 30th birthday earlier this year.

In the weeks before his death, the veterinary team kept him under close monitoring after noticing a loss of appetite and changes in his skin. He was initially treated for a possible infection and moved temporarily to behind-the-scenes care. Later tests and a necropsy conducted with support from outside specialists revealed a massive liver tumor that, according to veterinarians, had no effective treatment. “There was nothing we could have done,” reported one of the medical teams that evaluated him.

The city’s reaction was swift and heartfelt: residents, visitors, and public figures shared memories and gratitude for what Claude represented not only as an attraction but as an educational bridge between the public and wildlife. The Academy announced the launch of a digital space for messages and is planning a public memorial ceremony in 2026 to honor his legacy and reflect on the care of rare species in captivity.

Beyond the local grief, Claude’s story raises broader questions: How do we protect species with uncommon genetic traits? What role should zoos and aquariums play in conservation and education? His life and now his death offers a tangible example of the mix of science, public empathy, and institutional responsibility that defines modern relationships between cities and the wildlife they host.