Final Days to See Rare White Alligator at the Maritime Aquarium

Time is running out to see one of the rarest animals in the world – an albino alligator – on display now through Labor Day at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

Of some 5 million or so American alligators thought to be alive, fewer than 100 are white, according to the St. Augustine (Fla.) Alligator Farm, which owns this “great white of the wetlands.”

White alligators are rare because, when young and small in the wild, they cannot hide from predators. Also, alligators are cold-blooded reptiles that rely upon the warmth of their surroundings for energy. Unfortunately, white alligators can’t bask in the sun because they’re susceptible to sunburns. (The Aquarium’s visiting white alligator enjoys a special shaded, heated enclosure.)

Aside from being white with pink eyes, the Aquarium’s 8-foot albino alligator looks, swims and eats like a regular ’gator.

For more details about Maritime Aquarium exhibits – and to view videos of the white alligator – go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.