Life of rare orange lobster celebrated

Plans are being made to celebrate the life of a rare orange lobster who won the hearts of Canadians after escaping a pot of boiling water.

Youpi, who had a genetic defect which turned him bright orange, died two weeks ago.

But he won't be forgotten, because Youpi is getting a year-long sendoff.

He's being put on display so people can pay their respects, or just learn something about lobsters.

It won't quite be a lying in state, but he'll be part of an exhibit at a Quebec nature centre which will show children about aquatic life.

The carrot-coloured crustacean became a national celebrity after he was discovered among a batch of greenish-red compatriots at a store in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec.

People flocked to see Youpi, who looked like he'd already been cooked, and store staff even hand-fed him shrimp.

Marine experts say only about one in 10-million lobsters come in Youpi's shade.