Snowball the Alligator (c.2004-2025)
Obituary
Snowball, an albino alligator, died at an aquarium in Kentucky in February.
Snowball, a 21-year-old albino alligator, died at the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky in February 2025. No cause of death was given. Snowball and Snowflake, another albino alligator, were transferred to the aquarium in 2013. Albino alligators are extremely rare. Their lack of pigmentation makes them vulnerable to sunlight. However, multiple US zoos purposely breed albino alligators because they drive ticket sales.
American alligators live 35 to 50 years in the wild. They live in freshwater rivers and swamps in the southeastern US. The species is more than 150 million years old – meaning they survived the mass extinction that killed dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Contrary to common misconceptions about reptiles, reptiles experience pain and happiness. For example, studies have documented that green iguanas have an emotional response to the stressful experience of being handled and that multiple crocodile species engage in play.
The Newport Aquarium described Snowball as an “ambassador” who taught visitors “about conservation and the alligator’s vital role in the health of wetland ecosystems.” Zoos and aquariums commonly use this term to describe animals in captivity. However, actual ambassadors volunteer to represent their country or community to promote its interests and build diplomatic relationships. Snowball did not choose to live in a small enclosure and be displayed to onlookers. Instead of teaching visitors about wetlands, Snowball “taught” people that it’s okay to keep alligators in a fake pool with plastic rocks and logs.
World Animal Protection urges everyone who loves alligators to avoid zoos and enjoy them in the wild or at an accredited sanctuary.
