Two rare orange lobsters, with odds of about 1-in-30 million, were saved from two supermarkets on Long Island after being spotted by customers. The lobsters, Tangerine and Navel, were placed back in the wild, receiving a second chance at life after being pampered during their time in captivity.
The unusual crustaceans were discovered at a Stop & Shop in East Setauket and Northport Fish & Lobster. Both stores treated these rare lobsters differently than the rest of their pods, providing extra attention and care. At Stop & Shop, for instance, an orange band was removed from one of the lobsters’ claws to make her more comfortable.
The unusual coloring of the lobsters is believed to be caused by a hereditary mutation, making them even more rare. Humane Long Island suggests that all three supermarket lobsters could have come from the same family since they were shipped around the same time in early July. This theory adds another layer of intrigue to these incredible creatures.
With only an estimated 3 in a trillion orange lobsters, this rescue is a testament to the importance of protecting these rare species. Humane Long Island has been vocal about the need to preserve all types of lobsters and not consume them regardless of their coloring.
John Di Leonardo, who helped release the two rare lobsters back into the sea, shared his thoughts on this mission: “It always makes me feel good to do this rescue work, but we know it’s just a drop in the bucket.” This incredible story of these rare orange lobsters highlights the importance of conservation efforts and showcases the dedication of individuals like Di Leonardo who are working to protect our oceans and marine life.
