A rare orange lobster named Crush has recently found a new home at the Denver Aquarium after narrowly escaping being served as a meal. This lobster, distinguished by its unique bright orange hue, was initially destined for a Red Lobster restaurant in Pueblo. It was during this shipment that an employee recognized the lobster’s rarity, prompting a chain of events that would ultimately save Crush from the dinner plate.
The lobster, named Crush in honor of the Denver Broncos’ famed Orange Crush defense from the late 1970s and early 1980s, was identified as an extraordinary find. Orange lobsters are incredibly rare, with only about 1 in 30 million exhibiting this coloration, making them even more uncommon than the blue lobsters, which appear in 1 in 2 million.
Rare Orange Lobster Named Crush Finds Sanctuary at Denver AquariumRealizing the lobster’s exceptional rarity, restaurant manager Kendra Kastendieck sought to ensure Crush’s safety. She quickly began searching for a suitable sanctuary where the lobster could live out its days in peace. Fortunately, the Denver Aquarium agreed to take Crush in, offering him a secure environment away from potential culinary use.
While at the Red Lobster, Crush had been displayed in the restaurant’s lobby tank, which led to some confusion among customers who mistook him for a cooked lobster. Kastendieck noted that this situation provided an educational opportunity for the community, allowing patrons to learn about the lobster’s rare status and unique coloration.
Crush will undergo a 30-day quarantine period at the Denver Aquarium before being introduced to the public. With a potential lifespan of up to 100 years, Crush is expected to be a long-term resident of the aquarium, where he will join other animals from his natural habitat and continue to captivate visitors with his remarkable appearance.