The American alligator is one of the largest reptiles in North America. The name alligator comes from early Spanish explorers who called them "el legarto" or "big lizard" when they first saw these giant reptiles. Hatchlings are normally black streaked with pale yellow stripes down the flank. White, or albino alligators are rare. Their coloring makes them susceptible to predators and sunburn. Rare, blue-eyed, "leucistic" white alligators can be found in the wild and can be seen on exhibit at Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. A giant alligator is like an armored battleship, protected by a shield of horny plates on his back and fierce teeth in the bow and propelled by a powerful tail. Alligators are highly adapted for carrying out essential life functions in their aquatic environment. Alligators are shrewd survivors. They learn the sound of boats or intruders and retreat swiftly underwater.