Nature & Environment

Extremely rare white leucistic alligator is born at a park in Florida

By T.K. Randall
December 9, 2023 ·  1 comment

This leucistic alligator is one of only seven in the world. Image Credit: Facebook / Gatorland Orlando The birth, which occurred at Gatorland Orlando, has been described as 'beyond rare' as there are currently only seven leucistic alligators known to exist anywhere in the world.

The last time anyone saw a newborn leucistic alligator was 36 years ago in Louisiana.

"Leucistic alligators are the rarest genetic variation in the American alligator," the park wrote on Facebook. "They differ from albino alligators, which have pink eyes and a complete loss of pigment.""Leucism in alligators causes white coloration, but they often have patches or splotches of normal coloration on their skin. Without the darker skin pigmentation, they can't have direct sunlight for long periods of time because they sunburn easily."

"Leucistic alligators also have brilliant blue eyes compared to the pink eyes of an albino alligator."

The park is now appealing to the general public to help find a name for the new alligator which will be put on display within the next few months.


Source: UPI.com | Comments (1)

Tags: Alligator