NEW ORLEANS – A rare white alligator has died at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.
The Audubon Nature Institute announced the death of “Spots” the alligator on Monday.
The alligator was 28 years old. The cause of death is being investigated.
Spots had a rare genetic condition called leucism (LOO’-sih-zem) that reduces the color pigmentation in the skin.
The institute said Spots was one of 17 alligator hatchlings recovered by the Louisiana Land and Exploration Company in area swamps in 1986. Some were brought to the Audubon Zoo. Spots was brought to the aquarium when it opened in 1990.
