What are the chances of catching a glimpse of this ghost of the swamp? With fewer than 100 in the world, it is almost impossible to spot one—until now.
Secrets of the Swamp
Don't miss this opportunity to get up close to an extremely rare albino alligator in the National Aquarium, Washington, DC's new Secrets of the Swamp exhibit, here only through April.
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Hello, My Name Is...Oleander!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our naming contest! Oleander is a flowering shrub found in yards and gardens in Louisiana and throughout that region of the United States. Beautiful, fragrant flowers are produced in many colors, including white, but don’t be fooled by this plant's beauty—it is a tough, durable plant and is toxic.
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What Is Albinism?
Albinism is a genetic condition in which an animal lacks melanin, or coloration pigment, in the eyes and skin, resulting in this alligator's unusual translucent scales and pink eyes.
Albino alligators cannot survive in the wild. Their inability to blend in with their surroundings not only makes them unable to ambush prey, but also draws the unwanted attention of predators.
They are also very sensitive to sunlight; their skin burns easily and light impairs their eyesight. The Secrets of the Swamp exhibit is equipped with special low-UV lighting.
Feeding Time
Join us on Fridays at 2 p.m. for an alligator feeding. Our experienced and knowledgeable aquarists provide visitors with an educational lesson on the lives and habits of alligators and an up-close demonstration of how alligators are target trained to respond to colors in connection with their feedings.
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