Rare White Alligator Dies, Aged 28

[Still Waters]

A rare white alligator has died, leaving less than 15 in the world.

The Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans announced the death of "Spots" the alligator on Monday.

The animal was 28 years old. The cause of death is being investigated.

Spots had a rare genetic condition called leucism that reduces the colour pigmentation in the skin.

http://news.sky.com/...ts-dies-aged-28

[Lilly]

I wonder is 28 old for an alligator..or not?

[SHaYap]

Nope ... crocodilians living to well over 60 years in the wild has been scientifically verified while the record in captivity is more impressive ~

How long do crocodiles live for?

The answer to this question is difficult to answer precisely and, like the size of crocodiles, suffers from exaggeration. There are a few clues, however, which can tell us the age of these venerable reptiles. Did you know the oldest crocodile reportedly died in 1997 at a zoo in Russia, aged 115 years old? I have not been able to verify this story entirely, but there's good evidence to suggest that it is true (the crocodile was originally captured in the 1890's as a 5 to 10 year old juvenile).

• crocodilian biology database link
  

Thing is , a captive sedentary lifestyle usually means prone to health related problems especially if its not in its natural environment ~ I hope the Institute really checked out the state of the beast before they decided it was dead ~

Crocodiles Do Not Die

December 1, 2013Anupum Pant 1 Comment

By Anupum Pant

Technically some animals like Alligators, Flounders and Crocodiles

. Instead of aging biologically, they just keep on growing physically. But why do Crocodiles all over the world keep on dying?

Senescence

In reality, we do see them dying. So, it would be right to say that they have the potential to live forever. To understand this we’ll have to first look at the term – Senescence.

• awe sci link