Cause of death revealed for Claude, San Francisco's beloved albino alligator
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Claude the beloved albino alligator at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco died from liver cancer, according to a necropsy.
Claude died earlier this week at age 30 and the necropsy showed the cancer was extensive and caused liver failure.
MORE: Cal Academy announces beloved Claude the albino alligator has died
Cal Academy says treatment options were limited and likely wouldn't have had much success.
Predators like Claude are also very good at hiding illnesses.
He appeared to be acting normal in the weeks leading up to his death, but Academy staff noticed changes to his skin color and texture.
FROM THE ABC7 ARCHIVE: Claude, the albino alligator's, dramatic arrival at the Cal Academy in SF
Claude was very popular, known as an unofficial mascot of the museum and the city. He even appeared in a children's book and in ads at bus and light-rail stations.
Claude hatched in 1995 at an alligator farm in Louisiana, and came to live at the Academy in 2008. He was born with albinism, a genetic mutation that made him appear white. His eyes looked pinkish-red because of blood vessels that were visible through his clear irises.
The Academy plans announce details soon for a public memorial for Claude.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
