Rare orange lobster released back into the wild in Long Island

An unusual orange lobster was discovered among a shipment of standard brown lobsters at a Stop & Shop in Southampton, New York. The rare crustacean, named Clementine, caught the attention of animal advocates after the store offered it to the Long Island Aquarium, which declined to take it. The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation intervened and contacted Humane Long Island, leading to a collaborative effort to ensure the lobster's safety. Clementine underwent rehabilitation under veterinary supervision to prepare her for release back into her natural habitat. This rare orange coloration in lobsters is extremely uncommon, occurring in only one out of every 30 million lobsters. The unique pigment has drawn interest from researchers, particularly in the case of another orange lobster named Peaches, who recently hatched a clutch of 100 eggs, some of which exhibit the same rare coloration. After her rehabilitation, Clementine was successfully released into the Long Island Sound, marking a positive outcome for the rare lobster. The efforts of the animal advocacy groups highlight the importance of protecting unique marine life and ensuring that such rare specimens are returned to their natural environments rather than being kept in captivity. This incident not only raises awareness about the rarity of orange lobsters but also emphasizes the role of community organizations in wildlife conservation. The successful release of Clementine serves as a reminder of the need for continued advocacy and support for marine life, particularly those that are rare or endangered.