DES MOINES REGISTER (Ohio) 29 May 04 Once-pink alligator returning to a healthy white (Jason Clayworth)
A pink alligator is lurking at Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo. No joke.
The critter is an albino that zoo officials believe became stressed during his move from Florida.
When the 8-foot-long reptile arrived Thursday in Des Moines, he was pink.
"Albino alligators turn pink with excitement as they adjust to their new environment," said David Allen, the zoo's director. "We think it'll settle down by the beginning of the week after a little Iowa relaxation."
Zoo workers briefly kept the 100-pound alligator out of the public's eye. Zoo officials originally planned to keep the alligator hidden until his light complexion returned but quickly realized the marketing potential. Hundreds of schoolchildren packed into the zoo Friday to sneak a peek.
The alligator is unnamed, but zoo Chief Executive Terry Rich informally called him "Pinkie."
Much of Pinkie's blush had faded by late Friday, but his face maintained a pink glow, which zoo officials think will remain through the weekend.
Zoo officials were going to delay the opening of an albino exhibit but changed their minds as word about the alligator spread, said Randy McNeal, a zoo spokesman.
The albino display includes catfish, an axolotl salamander and a white camel. An albino python arrives today.
The alligator is on loan to the zoo and will remain in Des Moines through August. Zoo officials have insured him for $50,000.
A normally colored alligator is valued at less than $500, zoo workers said.
Once-pink alligator returning to a healthy white