San Francisco fell in love with a unique resident at the California Academy of Sciences many years ago. The rare albino alligator was beloved by many and became an unofficial mascot for the city. Unfortunately, Claude died in early December at the age of 30, leaving many San Franciscans heartbroken over the news.
Now, to commemorate Claude, a road in Golden Gate Park will be renamed “Claude the Alligator Way.” The road is currently named Music Concourse Drive and runs between FK Promenade and MLK Drive. The location is fitting, considering it passes by the California Academy of Sciences, which was Claude’s home for many years.
“Claude meant so much to the San Francisco community. We are deeply grateful to be able to celebrate his life and legacy in such a wonderful public space, and truly appreciative of the strong support from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department,” said Cal Academy Executive Director Scott Sampson in a recent statement. “We are also honored that the City has chosen to memorialize him with a ceremonial street naming in Golden Gate Park, a reminder of Claude’s remarkable legacy connecting people with science, with nature, and with one another.”
The new name started with District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who proposed legislation to rename a road near the California Academy of Sciences. Then, the publication Mission Local created a poll to determine which street would be renamed. While the results were not set in stone, they were submitted to the Recreation and Parks Commission for the final decision. Today, the commission announced it had approved the renaming of the road that won the pole.
This weekend, the California Academy of Sciences will host a celebration of life for Claude, including speeches, a costume contest, and more. The commemorative event will be free and open to the public, and is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, at the Golden Gate Bandshell.