Beloved 'Claude' the albino alligator honored with street renaming at Golden Gate Park

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered in Golden Gate Park to celebrate the life and legacy of a San Francisco icon.

The California Academy of Sciences honored Claude, the beloved albino alligator.

Claude was 30 years old and lived at the academy for 17 years until his death last month.

MORE: Golden Gate Park street officially set to be renamed in honor of 'Claude' the albino alligator

Sunday's festivities included a NOLA-style second line parade in a nod to Claude's Louisiana roots, a Claude costume contest for kids and stories shared by the late gator's care team.

"There was something just magical about watching him, you know? You had to wait and wait for him to move. And if he did at all, there was just something touching about being near him and watching him," said Monica Walsh.

City officials also unveiled the signage for "Claude The Alligator Way," officially changing the name of the street that runs in front of the Cal Academy.