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Capron Zoo Could Welcome White Alligator

The rare reptile is expected to be at the zoo by Memorial Day.

 

A rare white alligator could be taking a summer vacation at Capron Park Zoo. A City Council committee is expected to consider a four-month, $8,000 rental agreement with an alligator farm in St. Augustine, Fla. on Tuesday. The full council will consider the expenditure the following Tuesday.

Zoo director Jean Benchimol, who grew up in the southern United States where wild alligators are plentiful, said she wanted to do the exhibit because this area has no alligators in the wild and few in captivity.

"They are really cool animals, and unfortunately not that many people here get to see them," Benchimol said. "We wanted to bring a white one so we could show how there are different-colored alligators."

Animals that are unusually white are either albino or leucistic. The difference is easily noticeable because of the eye color—red for albinos and blue for leucistics. Benchimol said the one coming to Capron Zoo is probably albino. Ramses, the zoo's popular white lion, is leucistic.

The Florida farm is also expected to deliver a hatchling. Benchimol said the zoo's education department staff will walk around with the newborn alligator, showing it to visitors who will be able to compare the normal-colored baby with the white adult.

If the council approves the expenditure, the two alligators should arrive at the zoo by mid-May. The public will be able to begin seeing the reptiles by Memorial Day.

Related Topics: Alligator and Capron Park Zoo

Stephanie Sweeton

10:30 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012

I've been to that Alligator Farm in St. Augustine. It's cool, but boy, can be creepy, as well....glad only ONE alligator is coming up here! When they all get together, it's quite a sight (and smell).

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christine

12:00 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012

That is so cool. I would be there to see him!

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Jim Fennell

12:34 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012

Looking forward to getting a chance to see this guy!!

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Kathy

7:08 am on Friday, April 6, 2012

What a great addition to the zoo, even if only temporarily.

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Andrea Holden

5:21 pm on Friday, April 6, 2012

i will go visit this beautiful animal

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Dolly

12:40 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012

8K for four months! I agree with Mr. Scott. That money could go a long way to help Attleboro Farmers Market, Attleboro Public Library and maybe improve Balfour for a permanent location for AFM.

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In Dog We Trust

8:46 pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2012

or the dog park...... please.

Just sayin'

11:56 pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012

I read this article in boston.com and immediately thought of this quote. "They are really cool animals, and unfortunately not that many people here get to see them..."

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/09/alligator_captu.html?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed1_HP

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Jonathan Friedman

2:51 am on Monday, April 16, 2012

"I thought it was fake at first. ... But I bumped the log and, sure enough, it jumped on into the water," said Cox.

Is he crazy???

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