Current:Home > Finance'Beyond rare' all-white alligator born in Florida. She may be 1 of 8 in the world. -AssetLink
'Beyond rare' all-white alligator born in Florida. She may be 1 of 8 in the world.
View
Date:2025-04-17 19:22:51
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! (8172)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Louisiana Gov.-elect Jeff Landry to be inaugurated Sunday, returning state’s highest office to GOP
- ESPN responds to Pat McAfee's comments on executive 'attempting to sabotage' his show
- Northeast U.S. preparing for weekend storm threatening to dump snow, rain and ice
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Coronavirus FAQ: My partner/roommate/kid got COVID. And I didn't. How come?
- What makes this Michigan-Washington showdown in CFP title game so unique
- Michael Bolton reveals he had brain tumor surgery, taking a break from touring
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Olympian Mary Lou Retton Speaks Out About Her Life-Threatening Health Scare in First Interview
Ranking
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Art and war: Israeli and Palestinian artists reflect on Oct.7 and the crisis in Gaza
- NFL Week 18 playoff clinching scenarios: Four division titles still to be won
- Louisiana Gov.-elect Jeff Landry to be inaugurated Sunday, returning state’s highest office to GOP
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- 10 predictions for the rest of the 2024 MLB offseason | Nightengale's Notebook
- A row over sandy beaches reveals fault lines in the relationship between India and the Maldives
- David Hess, Longtime Pennsylvania Environmental Official Turned Blogger, Reflects on His Career and the Rise of Fracking
Recommendation
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Lions' Sam LaPorta sets record for most receptions by rookie tight end
11-year-old killed in Iowa school shooting remembered as a joyful boy who loved soccer and singing
Mary Lou Retton received $459,324 in donations. She and her family won't say how it's being spent.
Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
Family of woman shot during January 6 Capitol riot sues US government, seeking $30 million
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows harsh response to deadly bomb attack
Trevor Lawrence injury updates: Jaguars QB active for Week 18 game vs. Titans