He’s enigmatic. He’s pigment-free. And when he’s not lounging on a heated rock, he’s hanging out with his three snapping turtle pals. He is, of course, Claude: California Academy of Sciences’ resident albino alligator and unofficial mascot. And starting this week, he’s coming live and direct to an internet connection near you.
Claude, Cal Academy’s Albino Alligator, Has a Live Cam Now
Ever wanted to spend all day gazing at the majestic beast that is Claude? Now you can! (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
After 17 years of casually doing his own thing in the privacy of his own swamp, Cal Academy is adding Claude to its roster of (frankly delightful) webcams on April 4. You can already watch livestreams of Cal Academy’s African penguins, Reef Lagoon and Philippine Coral Reef. Claude’s big debut is happening as part of Academy Day, a celebration to mark the science institution’s 172nd (!) anniversary. (Yes, this place really has been around since 1853.)
The web cam will also be a handy, longterm way to prove that Claude is, in fact, a real live animal — something that new Cal Academy visitors have been known to frequently ask about. (He turns 30 on September 15.)
Watch on TikTok
In addition to assisting us in gazing at Claude all the livelong day, Academy Day is offering many perks this year, including pay-what-you-can tickets (starting from $5), a silent auction to purchase artwork created by the penguins, face painting and live music by the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Jazz Trio. A science fair, contests and other special events — including a three-hour appearance by the Lindsay Wildlife Experience — will also be happening throughout the day as part of the celebrations.
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Here’s hoping for a Methuselah (the 100-year-old fish) live cam in 2026.
Academy Day is taking place at the California Academy of Sciences (55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park) on April 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Claude Cam will be available on the Academy’s website and via YouTube.
