Extremely rare white alligator is born at a Florida reptile park

A highly uncommon occurrence has taken place at a reptile park in Florida, as an exceptionally rare white leucistic alligator was recently born. Measuring at 19.2 inches (49 cm) in length, this female alligator emerged from its shell, etching its name into history as one of the very few documented leucistic alligators in existence. Gatorland Orlando made this remarkable announcement on Thursday.

Mark McHugh, the president and CEO of Gatorland, expressed his astonishment, stating, “This is beyond rare. It is absolutely extraordinary.”

The reptile park is now reaching out to the public to participate in the naming of this unique alligator. Remarkably, it traces its lineage back to a group of leucistic alligators originally discovered in the swamps of Louisiana back in 1987. Notably, this blue-eyed newborn represents the first instance of a solid white alligator being recorded as a descendant of those original alligators. Out of the seven alligators that comprised the initial nest, three currently reside at Gatorland, according to McHugh.

It’s worth noting that leucistic alligators are considered the rarest genetic variation among American alligators. They can be distinguished from albino alligators, which possess pink eyes and a complete absence of pigmentation, as explained by Gatorland.

The public will have the opportunity to view this leucistic alligator alongside its normally colored sibling early next year when the park opens its doors to visitors. In the meantime, the alligators will be carefully cared for to ensure their health and growth are closely monitored, as stated by McHugh.

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More about Leucistic Alligator

• Gatorland Orlando
• Leucistic Alligator Information
• American Alligator Genetic Variations