US
‘Beyond rare’ white leucistic alligator born at Florida reptile park
A white leucistic alligator described as “beyond rare” has been born at a reptile park in Florida.
The female alligator, which is 49cm in length, is one of the very few leucistic alligators in the world, according to Gatorland Orlando.
“This is beyond rare. It is absolutely extraordinary,” said Mark McHugh, head of Gatorland.
Pic: AP
Pic: AP
He added the newborn is the first solid white alligator ever to have descended from a nest of original leucistic alligators found in the Louisiana swamps in 1987.
Of the seven remaining in that nest, three are based in Gatorland.
The reptile is the rarest genetic variation of the American alligator, and differ from albino alligators, which have pink eyes and a complete loss of pigment, the park said.
The as-yet nameless reptile has blue eyes.
The park is asking for help in naming its new arrival, and visitors will be able to see her, and her brother, from next year.
“For now, however, we continue to keep them safe where we can closely monitor their health and growth,” Mr McHugh said.