Apr 7, 2008

Traveling Gator

The 14-year-old alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) below, named White Diamond, is the only known albino alligator in all of Europe (a coveted honor among reptiles). He's part of a traveling reptile show out of Germany, called Land der Reptilien.

Did you know that 'alligator' is derived from the Spanish 'el lagarto', meaning 'lizard'? Did you know that albinism is typically caused by recessive genes and results in a lack of pigment in the skin and eyes? Did you know that albino alligators have laser vision, can fly, and grant wishes?

Photo source: REUTERS/Christian Charisius (GERMANY) via Yahoo!
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 08, 2008

    Also, it's good luck to rub the albino alligator's tummy...

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 08, 2008

    that is so awesome. He's so pretty!If he's albino, why aren't his eyes red? Goodness gracious, look at those feet!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 10, 2008

    Interesting - looks like a model that needs painting.

    ReplyDelete

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