It’s not easy being (green?) leucistic

The discovery of a leucistic loggerhead hatchling was a rare and exciting surprise Aug. 27 for Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteers Hans Duerr and Birgit Kremer. They were excavating a hatched nest at Coquina Beach and, while it’s not uncommon to find hatchlings still in the clutch, it is uncommon to find a leucistic (aka albino) hatchling. Two found hatchlings were placed in a green bucket — hence the tint to the photo — and taken to Mote Marine Laboratory, where staff took them in for observation. According to Ashley Ross at Mote’s Sea Turtle Hospital, the hatchlings are doing well and would likely remain for another day. She said the leucistic hatchling is rare and appears to be healthy. Islander Photo: Samara Paice