In the state of New York, a seafood restaurant recently released a lobster that had been raised for many years back into the ocean to continue the tradition of releasing lobsters from the restaurant. This lobster, aged 110 years old, is named Lorenzo, and they hope that he will live out the rest of his days in peace in the sea.
According to WPIX TV station, the restaurant called “Peter’s Clam Bar” is located on Long Island, New York. Lorenzo, the released lobster, weighed 21 pounds (9.5 kilograms).
In celebration of National Lobster Day and Father’s Day, on June 12th, the restaurant made a heartfelt gesture by releasing Lorenzo back into the sea.
The restaurant owner, Butch Yamali, mentioned that Lorenzo initially crawled in through a crevice and had been residing in their aquarium for several years, becoming a unique attraction of the restaurant.
Yamali expressed, “Some lobsters do not live for as long, but this one has lived for quite a while. So, we thought, what better way to celebrate Father’s Day than by releasing Lorenzo? He’s like a pet now. People come to see him, take photos with him; he’s just a decoration in the restaurant.”
This release event received official support, with local officials and councilors participating in the release ceremony. This event is similar to the story of Lenny, another large lobster previously released by the restaurant. Such activities continue the tradition of giving these crustaceans a second chance at life.
When asked if they would miss Lorenzo in the future, Yamali said, “We will miss him, but I think this is the best way. If he were to pass away here, it wouldn’t be a good thing, and I couldn’t bring myself to sell him.”
And so, Lorenzo was returned to the Atlantic Ocean, back to his home. The restaurant posted on Facebook, saying, “He is now living his best life – running towards freedom, enjoying the salty breeze (not butter).”
However, some netizens responded, questioning whether Lorenzo, who had been captive for many years, knows how to defend himself, adapt to water temperatures, and find food. They are concerned that long-term captivity might lead to his demise and suggested consulting with professionals.
In a previous report by Dajiyuan, the restaurant had also released an old lobster named Larry in 2016, believed to be 130 years old. Larry was released in a significant act as he was born the same year as the completion of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, symbolizing a journey towards freedom that resonates with American values.
As for how Larry’s age was determined, the restaurant explained that they estimated it based on marks on Larry’s back and his weight. Scientists say that a lobster’s age can be determined by observing its eyestalk and the “rings” in its stomach, similar to counting tree rings.