140-year-old lobster rescued from seafood restaurant to be returned to the ocean by animal rights activists

140-year-old lobster rescued from seafood restaurant to be returned to the ocean by animal rights activists

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 1:58 AM on 10th January 2009

A 140-year-old lobster is to be reunited with the ocean after being liberated from a New York seafood restaurant.

The 20lb crustacean was the focus of tug of love between animal rights activists Peta and staff at the City Crab and Seafood.


The lobster became a mascot at the New York restaurant before PETA rescued him

But after initially blocking the bid for freedom, restaurant bosses have agreed for George the giant lobster to be transported to the coast and allowed to swim with the fishes once again.

The lobster was captured off the coast of Newfoundland in Canada a week-and-a-half ago and shipped to New York.


The 9 kg lobster is estimated to be 140 years old

But having survived a stint in captivity, George is now on the road to freedom.

From the New York restaurant he will be driven to Maine by Peta members and allowed to reacquaint himself with the sea.

Ingrid Newkirk, president of Peta, said: "We applaud the folks at City Crab and Seafood for their compassionate decision to allow this noble old-timer to live out his days in freedom and peace.


After a brief spell in captivity the lobster is to be reunited with the ocean

"We hope that their kind gesture serves as an example that these intriguing animals don't deserve to be confined to tiny tanks or boiled alive."

Keith Valinti, manager of City Crab and Seafood, said: "We never intended him to be sold, just draw attention to the restaurant, and he did.

"We have no problem releasing the lobster."

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1111210/140-year-old-lobster-rescued-seafood-restaurant-returned-ocean-animal-rights-activists.html