The Georgia Aquarium's newly renovated River Scout habitat will feature some new faces when it reopens Feb. 29. In addition to the typical-looking American alligators, guests can walk among rare albino alligators in the glass-bottom exhibit.
A rare genetic mutation characterized by lack of melanin, albinism causes the skin to be white and eyes to appear pink.
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In addition to guests exploring the worlds of freshwater animals, the alligator exhibit allows attendees to learn why the reptiles are critical to the health of wild habitats.
Considered a keystone species in areas, including the Florida Everglades, American alligators play a vital role in helping to control the populations of other animals. They also provide habitats for other species through their "alligator holes," according to the Wild Life Learning Center.
“We are excited to share these animals' remarkable conservation story,” said Nathan Farnau, associate curator of fish and invertebrates. “The U.S. passed legislation to protect the rapidly falling number of alligators from the relentless hunting for their skin. Through recovery efforts and effective hunting rules, alligators made an outstanding return, with about 200,000 currently living in Georgia. We hope guests walk away with a new respect and understanding of these reptiles by seeing them here.”
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This new exhibit doesn't only feature your standard fare of American alligators, however. Several albino gators will be included thanks to a partnership with the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
The fate of albino alligators isn’t ideal in the wild. Estimates say only around 50 albino alligators survive in the world, and few make it to adulthood. The reason? Their white skin is a beacon to predators and their lack of melanin makes them susceptible to skin and eye damage caused by sunlight.
The Georgia Aquarium, which has had two seasons of "The Aquarium" on Animal Planet, opened in 2005. The nonprofit works on behalf of marine life to educate, preserve and entertain millions of guests about aquatic biodiversity worldwide.
Tickets for the aquarium start at $26.95 for adults.
DETAILS
Gator Crossing at Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St. SW, Atlanta
Opens Saturday, Feb. 29
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