Albino Alligators

The House of Good Fortune generally avoids zoos, but had occasion to stop by the Alligator Farm Zoological Park in St. Augustine, FL to visit with a few rare albino alligators in residence there. According to their website, “Legend has it that those who gaze upon these beautiful reptiles will receive good fortune,” which is why, gentle readers, I am sharing their images here.

While life in a zoo may seem like a cruel fate for a magical creature, it is arguably better than the alternative. Animals with albinism are at great risk from poachers and others who would do them harm.

Alba, the world’s only known orangutan with albinism, had to be isolated on a protected island to ensure her safety; and Snowflake, a gorilla with albinism, lived in a zoo in Barcelona until his death in 2003.

Young alligators with albinism

Alba, an orangutan with albinism

White Alligator at Alligator Farm

Snowflake, a gorilla with albinism