Scottsdale reptile sanctuary gets rare albino alligator
Jun 12, 2012, 7:23 AM
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Phoenix Herpetological Society is getting some new
additions to its diverse collection of crocodilians.
Officials with the Scottsdale facility are expecting the arrival of a rare
female albino American alligator along with the endangered species Morelet’s
crocodile and a New Guinea crocodile.
The alligator and crocodiles are being flown to Phoenix and are expected to be
at the reptile sanctuary by Thursday night.
The albino alligator is one of only about 50 albino American alligators living
in the United States.
Its white coloring is due to a rare genetic mutation that affects the
production of melanin, a skin pigment.
The three additions will bring the total number of crocodilian species on
display at reptile sanctuary to 10.
