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SF’s Favorite Albino Gator Turns 30

California Academy of Sciences throws a month-long bash for Claude’s big 3-0
By - posted 8/27/2025 No Comment

San Francisco’s most famous swamp king is hitting the big 3-0, and the California Academy of Sciences is throwing him a party all September long. Claude, the Academy’s beloved albino alligator, officially turns 30 on September 15, but the celebrations run September 1-30 with giveaways, scavenger hunts, cupcakes, cocktails, and even a swanky white-attire dinner.

Here’s what you’ll find at the birthday bash:

  • Meet ‘n’ greets with the Claude Mascot every Saturday, plus selected dates
  • Daily giveaways, including limited-edition posters, plushies, enamel pins, temporary tattoos, and stickers*
  • A large-scale participatory public art installation by Nigel Sussman, where hundreds of guest-colored illustrations will be turned into “scales” on a giant Claude sculpture
  • Storytime readings of the newly written children’s book The Curious Color of Claude
  • New Claude video installation, selfie-station, and visuals in the Swamp and Aquarium, including models of a hatchling Claude and textured alligator skin (touchable!)
  • Claude crafts on Mondays and Wednesdays, including Claude-inspired art, puppet-making, and a birthday message station
  • Swamp Talks to learn about Claude’s species, natural habitat, and albinism
  • Exclusive Claude merchandise in the store
  • Claude birthday IPA “The Big 3-0” by Oakland United Beerworks available for sale at the Academy’s Cafe and Terrace and during NightLife

Free Swag Every Day

Claude might be the birthday boy, but you’re the one getting gifts. Every single day in September, museum visitors can score free Claude-themed goodies (while supplies last). Expect limited-edition posters, stickers, temporary tattoos, enamel pins, and even plushies hidden throughout the museum. View giveaway calendar.

Big Birthday Events

Here are a few of the wild highlights:

  • September 3 – Storytime at Visitacion Valley Library (Free)
  • September 5 – Claude Quest citywide plushie hunt (Free) with 30 Claudes hidden all around SF and the Bay
  • September 11 – NightLife: Claude’s Big 3-0 with Claude cocktails, live drawing, and music ($25, 21+)
  • September 14 – Claude’s Hatchday Party! with a fish cake for Claude, cupcakes for you, and a giant singalong (Free with admission)
  • September 15 – Storytime at SF Main Library (Free)
  • September 17 – Swamp Soirée with jazz, cocktails, and a gourmet dinner by Top Chef’s Melissa King (Tickets from $650)
  • September 20 and September 26 – Live illustration workshops (Free with admission)

Claude Around the Bay

Claude will also be popping up across the city:

  • Mascot Claude at Flower Piano (date TBA)
  • A special “Claude’s Chomper” kid’s bowl at MIXT in the Inner Sunset
  • Claude’s own IPA from Oakland United Beerworks called “The Big 3-0”
  • Billboards, BART ads, and Muni shelter takeovers

Claude Goes Digital

Need a Claude fix while at home? You can still Claude-ify your life:

Claude may be 30, but American alligators in human care can live to 70, so SF’s favorite albino alligator is just getting started.

Full schedule and details