Programs

Swamp Talk: Claude's Hatchday Edition

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  • Claude the albino alligator with his mouth open wearing a birthday hat digitally added to the photo
  • Claude the albino alligator at Cal Academy rests underwater with his mouth open, looking like he's smiling
  • Claude the albino alligator twists his body in a funny position underwater in his habitat at Cal Academy
  • Claude the albino alligator enjoys a scrub brush massage on his head in his habitat at Cal Academy
  • Closeup of the face of Claude the albino alligator at Cal Academy
  • Claude the albino alligator at Cal Academy raises his front arm underwater making it look like he is waving
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Swamp Talk: Claude's Hatchday Edition
September 14 and 15, 3:30 p.m.
The Swamp (view on map)

September 15 is Claude's 29th hatchday! Be sure your visit includes a celebratory stop at this special edition of Swamp Talk. A knowledgeable Academy presenter will introduce you to American alligators' native southeastern wetland habitat, explain the life cycle of North America's largest reptile from tiny hatchling to quarter-ton adult, and lead a lively "Happy Hatchday" singalong for our most famous resident.

The hatchday happenings don't stop here—read on for more ways to honor Claude all week long!

Six ways to celebrate Claude

Steinhart Aquarium biologist Holly shows a bowl of yummy treats for Claude the albino alligator on his hatchday

1. Craft a Claude hat
Claude appreciates bold fashion statements. Make him proud by making your own paper Claude hat at our craft table next to the Swamp on his hatchday weekend. Sat. and Sun., Sept. 14–15, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

2. Send a hatchday card
Can't visit the hatchday boy in-person? He'll accept an e-card. Send him a note telling him how handsome, smart, and iconic he is.

3. Tune into an educational livestream
Teachers and students in grades 2–4 are invited to join Academy educators online for 40 fascinating minutes of alligator info and Claude facts. Thurs., Sept. 12, 9:45 a.m. (English) and 11 a.m. (Spanish-English bilingual); free with advance registration.

4. Gift some Claude gear
Treat the Claude-lover in your life (which can totally be you, by the way) to a Claude storybook, Claude plushy, or Claude reusable tote. 

5. Learn about his favorite foods
Read our Phenomena blog post about Claude's feeding day routine, which includes a team of biologists, a soothing head massage, and a bucket of frozen rats and fish heads.

6. Go deep with a swamps activity pack
Young swamp things ages 8–11 can download our Science@Home activity pack all about swamps, featuring hands-on crafts, science experiments, and more.

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More to explore
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Cover of childrens book Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator by Emma Bland Smith
Claude's Hatchday Storytime

Celebrate Claude's hatchday with a live reading of "Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator" by the author!

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Claude the alligator with albinism sits on his rock in the Academy's Swamp exhibit
The Swamp

Explore a Southeastern swamp habitat, home to snapping turtles and our beloved alligator with albinism, Claude.

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One of 3 alligator snapping turtles on exhibit at Steinhart Aquarium at Cal Academy. Photo credit: Gayle Laird
The Snappiest Vet Exam
Celebrate World Turtle Day by tagging along on a swamp-side health checkup with our alligator snapping turtles.