Current:Home > Stocks'Beyond rare' all-white alligator born in Florida. She may be 1 of 8 in the world. -×
'Beyond rare' all-white alligator born in Florida. She may be 1 of 8 in the world.
View
Date:2025-04-15 13:39:18
More than 35 years after a rare nest of white alligators was discovered in a Louisiana swamp … a star is born!
A leucistic all-white alligator was born this summer at Gatorland, the alligator park in Orlando, Florida, said in a news release Thursday.
Leucistic alligators are the rarest genetic variation of the alligator with white coloration, patches of normal pigmentation and blue eyes, the release said. They differ from albino alligators, which have complete loss of pigmentation and pink eyes.
The all-white female was born in August along with a brother gator with normal coloring. Gatorland's veterinary staff said they both received clean bills of health, though the all-white female will be sensitive to the sun.
Leucistic alligator baby makes 8 known in the world
In a Gatorland YouTube video, CEO and president Mark McHugh, said there are only seven other known leucistic alligators in the world, and three of them are at Gatorland.
The new girl was born to a normal-colored mom that carried the recessive gene and a leucistic dad. The release said it is the first leucistic alligator born in human care.
"This is beyond 'rare,' it is absolutely extraordinary!” McHugh said in the news release. "These are incredibly special animals in the reptile world, and we are being very careful with their safety and security. We plan to have them on display early next year so guests can see them, learn about them, and fall in love with them like we have."
Help name the rare gator and her brother
Gatorland is asking for the public's help in naming the special gator and her brother. The comments on the Facebook post show some creative ideas:
- Pearl and Emerald
- Barbie and Ken
- Elsa and Olaf
- Grits and Gumbo
Leucistic snake:'He is stunning.' MS wildlife rehabber nurses battered, rare white snake back to health
The public also helped pick the name "Jawlene," in honor of Dolly Parton, for an alligator found with is top jaw missing.
veryGood! (56)
Related
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Federal judge again rules that California’s ban on assault weapons is unconstitutional
- Corn Harvests in the Yukon? Study Finds That Climate Change Will Boost Likelihood That Wilderness Gives Way to Agriculture
- Financial investigators probing suspected contracts descend again on HQ of Paris Olympic organizers
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Security incident involving US Navy destroyer in Red Sea, US official says
- DHS and FBI warn of heightened potential for violence amid Israel-Hamas conflict
- Marine killed in Camp Lejeune barracks and fellow Marine held as suspect, the base says
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom to make a one-day visit to Israel en route to China
Ranking
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Jordan will continue to bleed votes with every ballot, says Rep. Ken Buck — The Takeout
- Ruins and memories of a paradise lost in an Israeli village where attackers killed, kidnapped dozens
- All's fair in love and pickleball? 'Golden Bachelor' Gerry Turner courts skills
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- California's annual statewide earthquake drill is today. Here's what to know about the Great ShakeOut.
- DHS and FBI warn of heightened potential for violence amid Israel-Hamas conflict
- How Justin Timberlake Is Feeling Amid Britney Spears' Memoir Revelations
Recommendation
'Most Whopper
What’s that bar band playing “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”? Oh, it’s the Rolling Stones!
Aid deal brings hope to hungry Gaza residents, but no food yet
Sidney Powell pleads guilty in case over efforts to overturn Trump’s Georgia loss and gets probation
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
French presidential couple attend funeral service of teacher slain in school attack
Fortress recalls 61,000 biometric gun safes after 12-year-old dies
Kate Spade Flash Deal: Get This $330 Glitter Satchel for Just $92