Houston Zoo's popular alligator moving to new home

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Blanco, the Houston Zoo's leucistic alligator, is moving to a new home. The alligator has been a favorite and centerpiece attraction in the Reptile and Amphibian House.

Houston Zoo officials say Blanco will move to a privately-owned facility just north of Angleton. The facility, Crocodile Encounters, features an outdoor pool that will encourage natural swimming and basking behaviors. There will also be an adjacent, enclosed, heated building with a pool for the white-colored alligator during cold or inclement weather.

"Although we are very sorry to see Blanco leave, we are happy he will be moving to a great new home, to be cared for by staff with a wealth of expertise working with crocodilians," said Stan Mays, Houston Zoo curator of herpetology. "Plus, Angleton is close to Houston, so we will have the opportunity to visit him frequently."

The alligator is expected to move in the next few weeks. Officials say the old space will be renovated to house reticulated pythons.