NC Aquarium’s albino alligator Luna celebrates 21st birthday

KURE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — One of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s most recognizable residents is celebrating a major milestone this weekend.

Luna, the aquarium’s beloved albino alligator, is turning 21 years old, and the public is invited to join the festivities during a special birthday celebration Saturday, June 13, at Good Hops Brewing.

The event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. and will feature a Luna-inspired white ale served in a commemorative pint glass, along with lawn games, disc golf and a food truck.

While visitors raise a glass in her honor, Luna will be enjoying her own birthday treat back at the aquarium — an enrichment ice cake specially prepared for the occasion.

Luna arrived at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher in February 2009 when she was just 3 years old. At the time, she weighed only 20 pounds and measured about 4 feet, 6 inches long.

Over the years, she has become a favorite among aquarium visitors and staff alike. Known for eagerly snapping at enrichment items such as ice blocks and crickets, Luna also enjoys the occasional chicken as part of her diet.

Today, the albino alligator measures approximately 7 feet long and weighs 114 pounds.

Albino alligators are extremely rare in the wild due to their lack of pigmentation, which makes them more vulnerable to predators and sunlight. Luna’s unique appearance and playful personality have made her one of the aquarium’s most popular attractions.