'Beyond Rare' White Alligator Born Into Captivity for the First Time Ever

Gatorland Orlando welcomed a white leucistic alligator born at the 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve last week. The rarest genetic variation found among American alligators, leucistic alligators are different from albino alligators which have pink eyes and a complete loss of pigment.

The hatchling is the first recorded birth of a leucistic alligator originating from a nest that was discovered in the swamps of Louisiana 36 years ago. Three of the seven remaining alligators from that nest still reside at Gatorland. Born alongside a brother with normal coloring to parents Jeyan and Ashley, the baby female weighed 96 grams and measured 49 centimeters long.

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Unlike albino alligators, leucism causes a white coloration, but often with patches or splotches of normal coloration on the reptile's skin. They also have brilliant blue eyes compared to the pink eyes of an albino, and can’t stay in direct sunlight for long periods of time because they sunburn easily.

"This is beyond rare, it is absolutely extraordinary and the first one in the world," said Mark McHugh, president and CEO of Gatorland. "These are incredibly special animals in the reptile world, and we are being very careful with their safety and security."

McHugh adds that the facility plans to put the juveniles on display early next year "so guests can see them, learn about them, and fall in love with them like we have." But for now, the gators will continue to be kept safe so their their health and growth can be closely monitored.

In the meantime, the park is soliciting name suggestions for both the white female and her normal colored brother on social media, directing visitors to post their suggestions in the comments.

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