Rare White Leucistic Alligator Born in Orlando
In what feels like a holiday miracle, an extremely rare white leucistic alligator, with twinkling blue eyes, was born Thursday in Orlando, Florida.
Gatorland, the alligator park where the reptile was born, said in a press release that the baby gator is one of just eight known leucistic alligators in the world. It is also the first white leucistic alligator ever born in human care, according to the park.
"Oh boy, we have some exciting news here at Gatorland," said Mark McHugh, the president and CEO of Gatorland. "For the first time since a nest of leucistic alligators was discovered in the swamps of Louisiana 36 years ago, we have the first birth of a solid white alligator ever recorded from those original alligators."
"This is beyond 'rare,'" McHugh continued. "It is absolutely extraordinary!"
The adorable, cartoon-like creature is a female and was born at 96 grams and 49 centimeters long, alongside her normal colored brother to proud parents, Jeyan and Ashley.
The leucistic alligator is the most rare genetic variation of the American alligator, the press release said. It is different from an albino alligator, which has pink eyes, not blue, and a complete loss of pigment.
Leucistic Alligator Born at Gatorland
A rare leucistic alligator has been born at Gatorland, causing excitement among staff and visitors. Leucism is a condition that causes white coloration in animals, but the alligator also has patches of normal coloration on its skin, according to a statement from the park.
While the white color makes the alligator unique, it is also sensitive to direct sunlight and can easily get sunburned. The park's veterinarian has confirmed that the baby alligator is doing well and is eating bite-size pieces of raw chicken and supplemental pellets.
For now, the baby alligator will be kept away from guests to allow it to grow and develop normally. Gatorland plans to put the alligator on display early next year so that visitors can learn about and appreciate this rare creature.
In the meantime, Gatorland is inviting the public to suggest names for the baby alligator and its brother on the park's social media pages.
