An incredibly rare orange lobster has been rescued and returned to the wild after a surprising discovery in the seafood section of a market in Southampton, New York. This unique crustacean, described as a “1-in-30 million” find, caught the attention of a local animal shelter who then reached out to Humane Long Island (HLI) for assistance.
Celebrity Status at the Supermarket
The orange lobster, now lovingly named ‘Clementine,’ was first noticed at a Southampton Stop and Shop among a shipment of traditional brown lobsters just before the July 4th holiday. The rare creature quickly became a celebrity at the grocery store, receiving special treatment from store management and even earning the nickname ‘Pinky’ from the manager’s young daughter. Despite the supermarket’s initial intentions to spare Clementine from ending up on a dinner plate, a pardon through the Long Island aquarium was not granted.
Rescue Efforts and Rehabilitation
Southampton Animal Shelter played a crucial role in notifying Humane Long Island about the discovery of this ultra-rare lobster. HLI’s executive director promptly contacted the local Stop and Shop, requesting that the lobster be donated for rehabilitation and eventual release back into its natural habitat. With the help of a veterinarian, a cold saltwater tank was prepared to re-acclimate Clementine to the ocean environment.
After just a few hours, Clementine was seen swimming around and exploring the waters of Long Island Sound. The team at Humane Long Island was dedicated to ensuring the successful return of this unique crustacean to the wild, emphasizing the importance of respecting all lobsters and advocating against their consumption. John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist and executive director of HLI, highlighted the pain and suffering experienced by lobsters when taken from their ocean homes for consumption or confinement.
The Journey Back to the Wild
Lobsters are known to be sensitive and intelligent animals that can travel long distances in the ocean. Clementine’s successful journey back to the wild serves as a reminder of the importance of treating these creatures with compassion and respect. Humane Long Island urges individuals to refrain from consuming lobsters and to consider the well-being of these animals, recognizing their capacity to experience pain and suffering.
Legal Protections for Lobsters
In various parts of the world, including Switzerland, Norway, New Zealand, and the Italian city of Reggio Emilia, it is illegal to boil lobsters alive when they are conscious. These regulations reflect a growing awareness of the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of animals, including crustaceans like lobsters. By advocating for the humane treatment of lobsters, organizations like Humane Long Island are working to protect these creatures from unnecessary harm and exploitation.
Instances of Rare Lobster Discoveries
The case of Clementine is not the only instance of rare orange lobsters narrowly escaping the fate of being served as a meal. In Denver, Colorado, an orange lobster named “Crush” found its way to a Red Lobster location, drawing parallels to the Denver Broncos’ famed “Orange Crush” defense. Similarly, a second orange crustacean was delivered to a North Carolina Red Lobster shortly after the Denver incident, underscoring the rarity of these unique creatures.
Keeping Lobsters out of the Dinner Plate
The rescue and release of Clementine highlight the importance of recognizing the value of all living beings, including lobsters. By refraining from consuming lobsters and advocating for their well-being, individuals can contribute to the protection of these animals and promote a more compassionate approach to their treatment. Humane Long Island’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate rare lobsters serve as a beacon of hope for these creatures, offering them a chance to thrive in their natural habitats.
Continued Advocacy for Lobster Welfare
As awareness grows about the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of lobsters, organizations and individuals alike are taking steps to protect these creatures from unnecessary harm. By advocating for legal protections and promoting humane practices, the welfare of lobsters can be safeguarded, ensuring that these unique animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve. The rescue and release of rare orange lobsters like Clementine serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards in our interactions with animals.