Claude the alligator remembered at San Francisco memorial

Thousands gathered near the California Academy of Sciences to mourn Claude, an albino alligator who died Dec. 2 of liver cancer at age 30; the museum will preserve parts of him and the city plans to rename the road in front of the museum.

Claude, an albino alligator who lived at the California Academy of Sciences, was honored at a memorial near the museum in Golden Gate Park. He died Dec. 2 of liver cancer at age 30, and thousands of people attended the service. City and museum officials described Claude as a long‑running exhibit that connected visitors with nature. The museum said it will keep parts of Claude in its collection for education and research. Known details: - Claude was an albino alligator kept at the California Academy of Sciences and died Dec. 2 of liver cancer at age 30, a notably long life for an albino alligator. - Thousands attended a memorial near the museum in Golden Gate Park, and city officials announced plans to rename the road in front of the museum "Claude the Alligator Way." - Museum staff reported that most of Claude was cremated and that a portion of his hide, prepared like leather, and his skull will remain in the academy’s collection for research and display. - The academy’s leadership said Claude helped connect people with nature, and museum officials are discussing whether to add another albino alligator to the swamp exhibit. Summary: Claude’s passing drew broad public attention and formal recognition from city and museum officials. The museum will preserve parts of him in its collection, the city will rename the road in front of the museum, and the academy is weighing how to proceed with the swamp exhibit moving forward.