Albino Alligator at Charleston's Aquarium

By Jonathon Kalik

A reptile, more likely seen in a scene of a Spielberg science fiction movie than seen in the Low country, has entered the South Carolina Aquarium. Still and silent, spellbound crowds of onlookers stand captive as the reptile gazes back into the eyes of its admirers. A rarity in nature, an Albino Alligator is now the center of the Aquarium’s Coastal Plain exhibit.

A phantom of the swamp, this alligator began its life with a severe disadvantage. There are only around 50 albino alligators identified throughout the world. The majority of them don't make it through their first 24 hours of life. The improbable experience of witnessing one first hand is astonishing. The South Carolina Aquarium has given the residents and visitors of Charleston a truly remarkable opportunity.

“Albinism is a genetic condition, where an animal or human lacks melanin, or color pigment in the eyes, skin, fur, or feathers” according to the South Carolina Aquarium’s website.

With a lack of melanin, the James Bond of skin protection, albino animals and humans are susceptible to the sun's ultraviolet rays. They are also at a complete disadvantage in regards to camouflage.

The scene is set: an eerie swamp complete with faux cypress trees and life-like mud banks give way to a sizable underwater tank. Inside, Blue Gill, Large Mouth Bass, and Catfish, are only second-class citizens to this much larger albino alligator.

Spectators look on in amazement. One patron says, “It looks so fake, but so real.” With its more then six foot white body below the water, and its piercing red eyes and snout above the water, it slowly maneuvers through its authentic looking habitat.

Kevin Mills, aquarium President and Chief Executive, states that Luna the Alligator would most likely not have survived in the wild, and that her new home highlights a “great success story.”

Luna came to the aquarium through an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility. According to Aquarium officials, Luna was born in Louisiana in an area infamous for albino alligator nests. She was born into the wild, but raised in captivity.

Differences between Luna and the additional alligators that call the South Carolina Aquarium home are stark, but in reality, they share everything except melanin. One out of every 100,000 Alligators born into the wild is considered albino.

Reasons why adult Albino Alligators are so rare stems from their needs of warmth, and camouflage. Cold-blooded reptiles, such as alligators, derive much of their body heat from the sun. With a lack melanin to offer skin protection, the sun becomes a detriment to the alligators, rather then a benefit.

Camouflage is an alligator’s best friend. Not only does it provide aid to the alligator in pursuing a daily meal, but also keeps it from becoming one as well. Albino alligators are more suited to camouflage in the snow, than the murky waters of the swamp.

The aquarium will hire a herpetologist, who is an expert with reptiles, to provide care for the specific problems facing Luna. The herpetologist will also train Luna to perform specific activities, in exchange for food, that will allow trainers to handle her up close.

From a business prospective the South Carolina Aquarium hopes that Luna, the albino alligator will boost attendance. Following the great success of the penguin exhibit last year, and the new theater playing Happy Feet 4-D Experience, the aquarium anticipates Luna to do very well, in captivity and at the ticket office.