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Alabama Family Discovers Rare 32-Million-Year-Old Turtle Fossil

9/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A family in south Alabama found a 32-million-year-old leatherback sea turtle fossil, naming it Ueloca colemanorum.
The fossil, approximately 4 feet long, is among the most complete of its kind worldwide.
Paleontologist Dr. Andrew Gentry confirmed its identification after being contacted by the Coleman family.
Its preservation offers insights into the Oligocene Epoch and leatherback turtle evolution.
Ueloca is now exhibited at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

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Story summary

A family in south Alabama found a 32-million-year-old leatherback sea turtle fossil, naming it Ueloca colemanorum.
The fossil, approximately 4 feet long, is among the most complete of its kind worldwide.
Paleontologist Dr. Andrew Gentry confirmed its identification after being contacted by the Coleman family.
Its preservation offers insights into the Oligocene Epoch and leatherback turtle evolution.
Ueloca is now exhibited at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama.