We Love Animals
Animals

Rare Albino American Alligator Shows Up At Roger Williams Park Zoo As Their Newest VIP Guest

Most wild animals can handle their lives flawlessly on their own, but there are still many luckless critters who need a helping hand to survive because of some unwanted birth defects, for example the albino ones. Without a normal appearance like other members of their family, those special guys are always the most vulnerable beings in their natural habitats.

This albino American alligator is one of these exceptional creatures and thankfully, she was saved and taken good care of in a park in Florida. The magnificent girl was named Elsa after the famous queen in the Disney blockbuster “Frozen”, and that name suits her perfectly well since the Disney Elsa also has gorgeous white hair – just like the color of our stunning gator.

Image credits: Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village

The extraordinary gal has moved to Roger Williams Park Zoo, Rhode Island lately for a temporary exhibition and needless to say, the zoo’s fans are all thrilled to hear such exciting news.

Image credits: Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village

It’s no secret that albinism causes plenty of troubles for its victims. Alligators have relied on stealth and camouflage to survive for more than 150 million years, but unfortunately, Elsa has poor eyesight and lacks melanin (a pigment that normally provides color to animals and people) due to her rare condition so she’s unable to camouflage in the swampy surroundings like her relatives.

Since she stands out too much, she is also more likely to be preyed upon. Not to mention albino animals like her are at higher risks of sunburn too.

Image credits: Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village

“If she were in the wild, she wouldn’t make it,” says Roger Williams Park Zoo’s spokeswoman Corrie Ignagni. “When they are born, they are only a few inches, so a larger alligator would probably prey on her.”

To ensure their VIP guest’s safety, the zookeepers have created a covered enclosure just for her in their newest temporary exhibit, “Shades of Nature”, which is located in a renovated greenhouse.

Image credits: Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village

Elsa seems to really enjoy her short stay there. The lively girl likes swimming around and climbing over the rocks whenever she’s not taking a nap – which is actually her favorite activity.

The charming white alligator will be heading back to Florida for the fall, so make sure you visit Roger Williams Park Zoo and catch a glimpse of this wonderful girl as soon as possible!

H/T: The Koala Bears

 

 

 

 

Related posts

22 Illustrations That Show How Life Changes After Getting A Pet

Carolyn Mullet

20 Times Pets Absolutely Stole The Show In Selfies

Carolyn Mullet

How Do Our Pets Look Like If We Put Slippers On Their Heads?

Carolyn Mullet

Rare Genetic Anomaly Gives This Bird An One-In-A-Million Appearance

Daniel

Black And Yellow Broadbill, A Stunning Tiny Bird That Jumps Out From Cartoon Movies

Margot Nolan

Shelter Cats And Dogs Attend A Field Trip To Local Zoo To See Exotic Animals

Margot Nolan

10+ Animal Photos That Will Blow Your Sadness Away And Make You Smile

Carolyn Mullet

20 Sassy Pets Who Will Bring More Laugh For Your Day

Carolyn Mullet

Decked Out In A Suit Of Shimmering Neon Blues And Purples, This Jaw Droppingly Beautiful Bird Clings Onto Survival!

Carolyn Mullet

10+ Photos That Prove Sleeping Next To Mom Is The Most Peaceful Moment Of The Day

Carolyn Mullet

Adorable Footage Of Beluga Whales Swimming Right Up To The Glass To Say Hello To Penguin Visitors

Margot Nolan

Two Moluccan Cockatoos Get Highly Excited To See Each Other When Shopping

Olivia