Natural History of Albino Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to visit Alligator Adventure since I love reptiles, especially alligators and crocodiles. I had the chance to see two albino american alligators, even though this picture shows only one! Albino alligators lack the ability to produce melanin in their skin! Alligators are currently listed as a species that is not of concern as of 1987, but they were decimated prior to that due to habitation loss and hunting for their skins and meat. 

The alligator was actually not very active! For granted, it was actually in a very small enclosure for its size. There were also plenty of fish in the enclosure with the gator. These guys can be found throughout the southeastern United States. It was also in a dark enclosure due to it being albino and being extremely sensitive to sunlight. You actually cannot tell whether this one is female or male without an internal exam. He/she was also pretty large as well! This alligator was definitely an adult. 

I really appreciated the experience and being able to see all types of wildlife at Alligator Adventure, but I also enjoyed the alligators and the cross in particular. I would love to see alligators again in the wild, which we did at Caw Caw (but only from a distance of course)!