A Long Island supermarket recently discovered an orange lobster, an extremely rare sighting, and successfully released it back into the ocean.
In an unexpected turn of events, a vibrant orange lobster named Clementine was found and subsequently set free into the wild after being spotted in a supermarket, Sky News reported.
The unusual lobster appeared in early July in the seafood section of a local store, capturing immediate attention due to its stark orange color amidst the usual brown lobsters. Named Clementine, this lobster's coloration is a rarity, with chances of occurring being only one in 30 million.
The store owner, recognizing the rarity and potential importance of preserving such unique wildlife, reached out to an aquarium to rehome Clementine. Unfortunately, the request was turned down. This prompted the store owner to seek other ways to ensure the lobster's safety.
Undeterred, the store owner collaborated with two local organizations, Southampton Animal Shelter and Humane Long Island, to find a solution. Their efforts culminated in the decision to release Clementine back into her natural habitat, respecting her right to live freely in the wild.
They placed Clementine in a saltwater tank, specifically prepared and cooled based on veterinary advice, to ensure she was in optimal condition for her return to the ocean.
Finally, on a Tuesday, Clementine was released into the Long Island Sound. According to eyewitnesses, she immediately began exhibiting natural behaviors indicative of her species, such as swimming and foraging, signaling a successful adaptation back into the wild.
John Di Leonardo, the executive director of Humane Long Island, was part of the team overseeing Clementine's release. He expressed joy at seeing the lobster adjust quickly to her environment. "We got ourselves a big saltwater tank to rehab her in, we brought her down to the ocean, and she immediately began foraging," Di Leonardo told NBC News.
Di Leonardo further remarked on the immediate effect the ocean had on Clementine, saying, "She was ready to go as soon as she saw the ocean." This enthusiasm exemplified the lobster’s readiness to return to her natural life cycle, free from confinement and potential threats in a controlled environment.
Di Leonardo also highlighted the broader implications of such wildlife encounters, noting that lobsters, like many animals, aspire to live out their lives in their natural habitats rather than in captivity. "They all want to live natural lives in the wild. They don't want to boil in someone's pot or stay in a cramped aquarium," he explained.
Clementine's release was not only a moment of liberation for her but also a significant observation point for scientists and wildlife enthusiasts. As lobsters can swim far, potentially covering up to 100 miles or more annually, Clementine’s future journeys could provide valuable insights into the behaviors and migratory patterns of her species.
Moreover, such a rare occurrence brings to light the necessity of humane treatment and consideration for marine life within commercial and recreational spaces. Clementine’s story is a reminder of the unexpected ways wildlife can intersect with human environments and the positive outcomes that can arise when humans act as stewards of the natural world.
As she now explores the depths of Long Island Sound, Clementine not only survives but thrives, emblematic of the resilience and unpredictability of nature. Her story, starting in a supermarket and ending in the vast ocean, continues to inspire those advocating for the welfare of marine life everywhere.
