Rare lobster rescued by Red Lobster employees

In a group of lobsters shipped to a Red Lobster restaurant in Hollywood, Florida, crew members noticed something was different about 1 of the lobsters. Employees noticed the unique animal was a bright orange color and decided to rescue the crustacean, naming her Cheddar after a popular food item on the menu. Later, the team discovered that Cheddar is 1 in 30 million.

"Sometimes ordinary miracles happen, and Cheddar is one of them," said Mario Roque, a manager at Red Lobster who led the rescue of Cheddar. "A group of incredible people helped us make this possible. We are so honored to have been able to save Cheddar and find her a good home."

Mario Roque with Cheddar (Image courtest of Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach)

According to the release,¹ Orange lobsters are so rare because their bright colors make them attractive to predators. The orange coloring is caused by a genetic mutation when the lobster's body produces more of a particular protein, giving them the unique coloring.

"We are incredibly proud of Mario and the team for recognizing what a special and rare creature Cheddar is and for working relentlessly to find someone to rescue her," said Nicole Bott, Senior Director, Communications at Red Lobster. "It is an honor to be able to share the story of Cheddar and provide her a new home where she can be enjoyed by many for years to come, all from the safety of her tank.”

To retrieve Cheddar, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach sent 2 members of its Husbandry team to the restaurant where they packed her up and drove her to Ripley’s Marine Science Research Center in Myrtle Beach, where she currently remains, according to an email sent to dvm360 from Ripley’s Aquarium.

Reference

Rare One-in-30-Million Orange Lobster Rescued by Red Lobster® Finds New Home at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. News Release. Red Lobster Seafood Co. July 12, 2022. Accessed July 17, 2022. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rare-one-in-30-million-orange-lobster-rescued-by-red-lobster-finds-new-home-at-ripleys-aquarium-of-myrtle-beach-301584758.html