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Rare Blue-tinted alligator rescued at Gatorland in Florida
Have you heard of a blue-tinted alligator? It's actually a rare genetic mutation. Gatorland recently rescued one of these rare alligators, though it's not their first.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A rare, blue-colored alligator has a new home at Gatorland after trappers captured the 9-foot reptile in Osceola County.
The alligator, named Julius, is a piebald American alligator, a rare variation characterized by patches of skin lacking normal pigmentation. Gatorland shared images of its newest resident on social media.
Rare coloring sets Julius apart
The backstory:
Julius has unusual blue coloring and a distinctive pupil that staff members identified as possible signs of piebaldism.
Piebald animals have areas of unpigmented skin or scales that create irregular patterns. Julius' unusual appearance makes him a notable addition to the park's breeding marsh.
Alligator recovering from leg injury
Julius arrived at Gatorland with a leg injury that appears to have healed, according to the park.
Staff members are allowing him time to settle into his new surroundings before a veterinarian examines him.
Gatorland representatives said newly captured alligators can be lethargic and disoriented, making an immediate examination less useful. Once Julius becomes more active, veterinarian Dr. Bogan will assess his condition.
Gatorland previously housed another blue alligator
Julius is not the first blue alligator to live at Gatorland. The park previously housed an alligator named Cobalt in the early 2000s, one of the few blue-colored alligators known at the time.
Julius' name also has a personal connection. The trapper who captured him chose the name in honor of his father.
For now, Julius is settling into his new home while staff members monitor his condition and prepare for his veterinary examination.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Gatorland.