In a touching act of compassion, a New York seafood restaurant gave a 110-year-old lobster a second chance at life by returning the 21-pound crustacean to the ocean.
Peter’s Clam Bar in Hempstead, Long Island, had cared for the lobster, affectionately named Lorenzo, for several years. A local favorite, Lorenzo had grown into more than just a sea creature – it had become a beloved fixture and unofficial mascot of the restaurant.
“Lorenzo just kind of slipped through the cracks and ended up in our tank for years,” explained Butch Yamali, owner of Peter’s Clam Bar. “Some lobsters don’t survive this long, but he did. So we thought what better way to honor Father’s Day and National Lobster Day than by doing the right thing and setting him free?”
Lorenzo’s long stay at the restaurant made him a minor celebrity. Visitors regularly stopped by to take photos and marvel at his size and age. “He became like a pet. People came to see him, take pictures; it gave the place a special charm,” Yamali shared.
In a symbolic moment of release, Lorenzo was returned to his natural habitat at the Atlantic Beach Reef. The event was attended by Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, who joined restaurant staff in making the gesture both memorable and meaningful.
Peter’s Clam Bar later celebrated the release on Facebook, joking, “He’s now living his best life, clawing his way to freedom and soaking up the salty breeze (instead of butter).”
Though saying goodbye wasn’t easy, Yamali knew it was the right thing to do. “He’s going to be missed, but it’s better this way. If he had passed away here, it would’ve been heartbreaking. I couldn’t bring myself to sell him.”
Lorenzo’s release is a reminder that sometimes, doing the right thing means letting go especially when it honors life, legacy, and the simple dignity of a creature that survived more than a century.
Jordan Wells is a freelance writer and ethical living advocate who explores the intersection of compassion, sustainability, and everyday choices. With a passion for storytelling that inspires thoughtful action, Jordan highlights people and businesses making values-driven decisions that honor both life and the planet.
