Claude is the story of the California Academy of Sciences' beloved
albino alligator, from his birth in Louisiana to his present day life in
his swamp at the Academy.
Ultimately, Claude's hopeful tale is a celebration of individuality and
the joy in finding those who appreciate you for exactly who you
are.--Booklist
Claude is a celebrity alligator and the mascot for San Francisco's
California Academy of Sciences. His story started almost 25 years ago in
Louisiana, where he hatched out of his egg to discover he looked
different from the other hatchlings. They were green and Claude was
white. The other hatchings avoided him, and his color made him
vulnerable to predators. So Claude went to a special zoo that cared for
alligators where he lived in a pen by himself. Now he was safe--but
alone.
One day, scientists at the California Academy of Sciences heard about
him and asked the zoo if he could come and live in the Academy's swamp.
He made a 2,800 mile journey to his new home, where he had a
surprise--he would share his swamp with Bonnie, an alligator who the
scientists hoped would be a friend for Claude.
Unfortunately, Bonnie didn't like Claude's differences either, so she
was moved to another home. But then Claude was alone again--or was he?
With Bonnie gone, Claude began to interact with the five enormous
snapping turtles who shared his swamp. The turtles didn't mind at all
that Claude was different! And neither do the millions of people who
visit him every year. They know that Claude's differences are exactly
what makes him special.
Claude includes back matter with answers to frequently asked questions
about the famous alligator, including information about albinism in
animals.
