The Aquarium acquired this rare jewel for its collection in February 2009. Construction for her permanent home in the Carolina Bay exhibit in the Cape Fear Conservatory began shortly afterward. Built in-house by Aquarium staff, the albino alligator exhibit features a deck and viewing panel. A six foot tall, stainless steel “phantom” mesh barrier surrounds the exhibit, although it is largely hidden by native vegetation. The animal and its exhibit were paid for by private funds provided by the NC Aquarium Society.

Obtained from St. Augustine Alligator Farm in Florida, this alligator originally came from a nest in Louisiana. Eggs taken from a specific nesting location resulted in a small number of albino hatchlings for many years. Although the parents weren’t white, they carried the recessive gene for albinism which resulted in approximately 25% of their offspring being albino. Left alone in the wild, the albinos would not survive. Less than 50 albino alligators are known to exist in the world.

Come watch Luna grow! Aquarium staff are on hand to answer questions and share the albino alligator’s story throughout the day, every day.

Meet the alligator’s caretakers

Luna’s Growth & Progress

• 2/10/09 Arrived at the Aquarium
• 2/25/09 Physical done by NC State University vet school. Weight was 19.5 pounds and length was 5 feet.
• 6/5/09 Weighed in at 27 pounds
• 6/22/09 Vet visit “Has been steadily increasing weight, is feisty and is conditioning well to feeding pole”
• 9/23/09 Eye exam completed, checking for potential issues associated with albinism
• 5/1/10 Weight was 38 pounds and length was 5.5 feet