This illustration depicts the reconstruction of Ueloca colemanorum, a 32-million-year-old leatherback sea turtle from Alabama. “Having the opportunity to research this fossil sea turtle that once roamed Earth millions of years ago is an extraordinary experience,” Martinez said. The CSUF researchers said this latest discovery in Alabama helps fill a significant gap in the fossil record of leatherback sea turtles. Paleontologist Andrew D. Gentry with the fossilized shell of a 32-million-year-old leatherback sea turtle. Parham noted that only one leatherback turtle species exists today, which is also the state marine reptile of California, and is endangered.