Rare white alligator hatches at Gatorland park in Florida
An extraordinary event has taken place at a reptile park in Kissimmee, Florida, as an extremely rare white leucistic alligator has been born. Gatorland Orlando proudly announced on Thursday that the 19.2-inch female alligator has made its way into the history books, joining the exclusive club of known leucistic alligators. 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 seeking the public’s assistance in naming this remarkable alligator, which can trace its lineage back to a nest of leucistic alligators discovered in the swamps of Louisiana back in 1987. The birth of this blue-eyed newborn marks a significant milestone, as it is the first solid white alligator ever recorded to have descended from the original alligators found in that nest. Out of the seven remaining alligators from the nest, three are currently housed at Gatorland, according to McHugh.
Leucistic alligators represent the rarest genetic variation among American alligators. Unlike albino alligators, which exhibit pink eyes and a complete loss of pigment, leucistic alligators possess a distinct characteristic that sets them apart. Gatorland emphasizes that these unique creatures can be differentiated from their albino counterparts.
Although the public will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the leucistic alligator and her normally colored brother early next year, the park is prioritizing the safety and well-being of these extraordinary reptiles. McHugh affirmed, “For now, however, we continue to keep them safe where we can closely monitor their health and growth.”
In other news, Gatorland Orlando has also made significant progress in harnessing the power of social media to engage with the public. The park’s Facebook page, with an app ID of ‘207362756082470’, has been integrated into their online presence, enabling visitors to stay updated on the latest happenings and share their experiences with others. Gatorland is committed to embracing innovative technologies and platforms to enhance the visitor experience and promote conservation efforts.
The birth of this white leucistic alligator has captured the attention of both locals and wildlife enthusiasts across the nation. As Gatorland Orlando continues to nurture and protect these astonishing reptiles, the world eagerly awaits the opportunity to witness the marvel of nature that has unfolded within the park’s boundaries.
