Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Food

PETA Denies 140 Yr Old Lobster from Making Kids Happy


By

Billy Parker

Published Jan 11, 2009

Modified Jan 11, 2009


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Billy Parker

Published Jan 11, 2009

Modified Jan 11, 2009


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

City Crab and Seafood on Park Avenue scored a big find a couple weeks ago when they were able to purchase a 20 pound lobster caught off the coast of Canada for $100. A lobster at that weight (rarely caught so big because baskets generally can't contain them) means that it was probably around 140 years old. Manager Keith Valenti said, "I've been here for 12 years, and that's the biggest lobster I've ever seen." The restaurant named the lobster George and had him acting as an unofficial mascot, posing for pictures with children.

But apparently not all of City Crab's patrons were reveling in the crustacean celebration. A couple of phone calls were made and PETA was on City Crab's lobster tail. PETA petitioned that the restaurant to release George back into the ocean and City Crab says they were happy to comply. PETA's president Ingrid Newkirk told the press, "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."

PETA reps drove George up to Maine where he was returned to the ocean. It's unconfirmed if Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There" played in the background. PETA says the next step is to "ban catching lobsters completely."

Tagged

animal liberation

city crab and seafood

free willy

lobster

peta


Billy Parker

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE food

Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability

Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.

By

Samantha Dady

Published Oct 26, 2026


Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.

The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.

By

Hannah Frishberg

Food

Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.

The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.

By

Hannah Frishberg


North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.

By

Robert Sietsema

10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City

By

Robert Sietsema

Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .