Current:Home > News'Beyond rare' all-white alligator born in Florida. She may be 1 of 8 in the world. -Wealth Pursuit Network
'Beyond rare' all-white alligator born in Florida. She may be 1 of 8 in the world.
View
Date:2025-04-17 16:34:17
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! (9)
Related
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Woman who fell trying to escape supermarket shooting prayed as people rushed past to escape
- Mayor of Alabama’s capital becomes latest to try to limit GOP ‘permitless carry’ law
- Hey, politicians, stop texting me: How to get the candidate messages to end
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Why Ben Affleck Is Skipping Premiere for His and Jennifer Lopez’s Movie Amid Divorce
- A man went missing in a Washington national park on July 31. He was just found alive.
- The Daily Money: Some shoppers still feel the pinch
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Jennifer Lopez Rocks Revenge Dress at TIFF Premiere of Her and Ben Affleck’s Film Amid Divorce
Ranking
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Redefine Maternity Style With the Trendy and Comfortable Momcozy Belly Band
- Police say 2 children were found dead inside a vehicle in Oklahoma
- 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed could plead guilty to separate gun charge: Reports
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- A parent's guide to 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice': Is it appropriate for kids?
- Linkin Park Reunites With New Members 7 Years After Chester Bennington’s Death
- Mayor of Alabama’s capital becomes latest to try to limit GOP ‘permitless carry’ law
Recommendation
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
A Georgia fire battalion chief is killed battling a tractor-trailer blaze
Investigators say Wisconsin inmate killed his cellmate for being Black and gay
Jannik Sinner reaches the US Open men’s final by beating Jack Draper after both need medical help
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
Man arrested after making threats, assaulting women in downtown Louisville, Kentucky
Michigan judge loses docket after she’s recorded insulting gays and Black people
The Daily Money: Some shoppers still feel the pinch