ORLANDO, Fla. — A rare leucistic alligator is one of the newest additions at Gatorland.


What You Need To Know

  • Leucistic alligator hatched at Gatorland this summer

  • Gatorland recently shared the news of the rare white gator

  • The female gator was born along with a male gator with normal coloration

The female gator hatched back in August, the park announced Thursday, and became the first white leucistic gator born in human care.

Leucistic gators are a rare genetic variation of the American alligator with white skin and patches of dark coloration as well as bright blue eyes. Because of their pigmentation, they are sensitive to sunlight.

Despite their coloration, leucistic gators differ from albino gators, which have no pigmentation and pink eyes.

“For the first time since a nest of leucistic alligators was discovered in the swamps of Louisiana 36 years ago, we have the first birth of a solid white alligator ever recorded from those original alligators,” Gatorland president and CEO Mark McHugh said in a statement. “These are incredibly special animal in the reptile world, and we are being very careful with their safety and security."

The female gator is only one of eight leucistic gators alive in the world, the park said in a release. She was born along with a brother with normal coloration. Both weigh about 3.39 ounces and are 19.3 inches long.

The baby gators are expected to be on display early next year. In the meantime, veterinarians at the park are monitoring their health and growth.

Gatorland is asking the public to help name the new gators. If you want to contribute, you can go to Gatorland’s social media accounts and make a suggestion.