The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is gearing up to celebrate one of its most iconic residents: Claude, the beloved albino alligator, who turns 30 on September 15.
From September 1-30, the museum will host a fun-filled, ongoing birthday bash for the “hatchday” boy at the museum and across San Francisco.
IN THE MUSEUM
Beginning Monday, September 1, museum visitors can enjoy meet ‘n’ greets with the Claude Mascot, daily giveaways*—including limited-edition screen printed posters designed by California College of the Arts students, exclusive pins, stickers, temporary tattoos, and plushies—alongside special programs like storytime readings of a brand-new children’s book, “The Curious Color of Claude,” a large-scale participatory public art installation by Nigel Sussman, Claude crafts, and more. Festivities also include a Swamp Soirée seated dinner on Wednesday, September 10 featuring Top Chef All Star winner Melissa King, a special Claude’s Big 3-0 NightLife celebration on Thursday, September 11 (21+), a public birthday bash with a fish “cake” for Claude and complimentary cupcakes* for guests on Sunday, September 14, and cupcakes* on Monday, September 15. See below for details and the full slate of events taking place at the museum in September.
ACROSS THE CITY
Claude’s birthday celebration will also extend beyond the museum walls. He recently made a brief on-screen appearance at the Outside Lands Music Festival ahead of albino-alligator-fan Doechii’s set. On Friday, September 5, a citywide “Claude Quest” plushie search will give people the opportunity to find and keep 30 plushie Claudes and additional prizes hidden all over the Bay Area. On Wednesday, September 3, and Monday, September 15, Claude’s caretakers will bring the celebration to San Francisco Public Library with a free storytime reading of the new Claude children’s book. Plus, Mascot Claude will visit the Gardens of Golden Gate Park’s popular Flower Piano (date TBA). Claude’s influence will show up in food and drink, too: During the month of September, MIXT Inner Sunset on 9th and Irving will offer a new kid’s bowl, “Claude’s Chomper,” and Oakland United Beerworks will offer a special edition Claude IPA “The Big 3-0” at their taproom and at the Academy’s Cafe and Terrace restaurants. Eagle-eyed commuters can also spot super-sized Claude on billboards across the Bay, and in BART stations and on MUNI shelters in San Francisco.
JOIN ONLINE
While the in-museum festivities are not to be missed, Claude fans around the world can still join the celebration from afar by submitting a hatchday message online and tuning in online to watch Claude receive a birthday fish “cake” on Sunday, September 14 at 11 a.m. Fans can also watch Claude in real time—lounging, swimming, or snoozing—via his very own webcam, launched in April 2025 in partnership with San Francisco-based research lab Anthropic, whose AI assistant happens to share his name. Plus, starting Monday, September 1, you can Claude-ify your own digital devices with downloadable Claude Zoom backgrounds and digital wallpapers at calacademy.org/claudesbig30.
LEARN THE LORE
Claude hatched in 1995 at an alligator farm in Louisiana, and came to live at the Academy in 2008 in the new Renzo Piano-designed facility. His presence builds on over 100 years of alligators at Steinhart Aquarium, which has included a fan-favorite Swamp exhibit since the Aquarium’s opening in 1923. While Claude is the first alligator with albinism at the Academy, the modern Swamp pays homage to the past with the original seahorse railings from more than a century ago. While turning 30 is a major milestone, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) living in human care like Claude can live up to 60-70 years. For more history and facts about Claude, see our 30 Fun Facts Sheet.