Extremely Rare White Alligator Hatches at Gatorland

Gatorland, known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is thrilled to announce the arrival of an exceptionally rare leucistic white alligator at its Orlando park. This incredible baby reptile has made Gatorland the proud home of the largest collection of rare leucistic alligators in the world. What’s more, this new hatchling is the first ever white leucistic alligator born in human care and one of only eight of its kind on the planet!

“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. This is beyond rare, it is absolutely extraordinary!” exclaimed Mark McHugh, President and CEO of Gatorland.

Leucistic alligators are considered to be the rarest genetic variation among American alligators. Unlike albino alligators, which exhibit a complete loss of pigment and have pink eyes, leucistic alligators display a white coloration but may still have patches or splotches of normal coloration on their skin. Due to the absence of darker skin pigmentation, leucistic alligators are prone to sunburn and must avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Additionally, their remarkable blue eyes contrast with the pink eyes of albino alligators.

McHugh stated that the female leucistic alligator and her normal-colored brother each have a healthy weight of 96 grams and a length of 49 cm. A recent health check-up conducted by Gatorland’s veterinarian awarded them an A+. Their current diet consists of small portions of raw chicken and tiny Croc Chow pellets to supplement their nutrition.

“These are incredibly special animals in the reptile world, and we are being very careful with their safety and security. We plan to have them on display early next year so guests can see them, learn about them, and fall in love with them like we have. For now, however, we continue to keep them safe where we can closely monitor their health and growth,” added McHugh. The public is being invited by Gatorland to provide name suggestions for the lovely white female and her brother via the park’s Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Gatorland offers a delightful blend of Old Florida charm and thrilling experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Initially established as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park will soon commemorate its 75th Anniversary in 2024. Today the iconic park provides affordably priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, popular capybara encounter, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant, and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters. Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, and the brand-new Croc Rock Three-In-One Adventure.

The 110-acre award-winning theme park has been voted by Orlando Weekly readers the Best Attraction That’s Not a Theme Park every year for the past 8 years since 2016, Best Wildlife Preserve 2023 by Orlando Style Magazine, and Best Hidden Gem 2023 by Watermark Magazine. In addition, the Screamin’ Gator Zipline experience has been voted “Best Zipline in the USA” by AOL Travel and “Best Zipline or Ropes Course in Orlando” by Orlando Weekly readers every year since 2019.