Exhibit - Secrets of the Swamp: Albino American Alligator
Sponsoring Organization
Phone: 202-482-2826
Location
On October 7, the National Aquarium, Washington, DC, will unveil an extremely rare albino alligator in the new Secrets of the Swamp exhibit, here for a very limited time. Don't miss this opportunity to get up close to this rare and special animal! » View Admission Prices
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What Is Albinism?
Albinism is a genetic condition in which an animal lacks melanin, or coloration pigment, in the eyes and skin, resulting in this alligator's unusual translucent scales and pinkish eyes.
Albino alligators cannot survive in the wild. Their inability to blend in with their surroundings not only makes them unable to ambush prey, but also draws the unwanted attention of predators.
They are also very sensitive to sunlight; their skin burns easily and light impairs their eyesight. The Secrets of the Swamp exhibit is equipped with special low-UV lighting.
Feeding Time
Join us on Fridays at 2 p.m. for an alligator feeding. Our experienced and knowledgeable aquarists provide visitors with an educational lesson on the lives and habits of alligators and an up-close demonstration of how alligators are target trained to respond to colors in connection with their feedings.
Hello, My Name Is...?
Like the National Aquarium on Facebook and we'll let you know when we launch the albino alligator naming contest!
Contact Information
Phone: 202-482-2826
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Testimonials
This tour delivers the goods. Being raised just outside of washington d.c. (Bethesda), I've gone on innumerable DC sightseeing tours in my lifetime. Every time a family friend or relative visited from out of town meant another trip down to the Mall, another sightseeing tour. Monument tours, ghost tours, "Duck" tours, you name it I've done it. But out of all the DC tours I've been on this was one of the best. I went last weekend with my nieces and nephews on the Capitol Hill tour, which lasted a little over two hours. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable of the historic sites and presented the information in a fun and lively manner. His enthusiam for the subject was infectious. He had my nieces and nephews in rapt atttention from start to finish. Highly recommend.