The Virginia Living Museum World of Darkness Gallery has a new resident with a rare Calico Lobster.
“Freckles” is a rare creature as only 1 out of 30 million lobsters displays this unique calico shell coloration. The vibrant orange and black shell pattern make survival in the wild challenging since they are not able to camouflage with their natural habitat.
Freckles came to the Virginia Living Museum via a Red Lobster Seafood Restaurant in Manassas when staff saw the unique spotted shell. Restaurant management notified the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) who then sent out a call to members.
Senior Director of Animal Welfare and Conservation, Chris Crippen and Aquarium Curator, Patrycja Lawryniuk traveled to Manassas in April to retrieve the lobster. After a health evaluation, Freckles was transported by van to his new home in Newport News.
“We take great pride in our conservation efforts and strive to create strong partnerships in our community. Red Lobster reached out to the AZA network – of which we are a proud member – to provide a home for this rare and beautiful animal.” said Crippen.
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