Orange Lobster Named Crush Moves to Denver Aquarium

July 18th, 2024

In a serendipitous twist of fate, a dazzling orange lobster, subsequently named Crush in homage to the revered Denver Broncos' defense line from the 1970s and 1980s, has found a new home at the Denver Downtown Aquarium. Crush was originally part of a seafood delivery destined for culinary use at a Red Lobster outlet in Pueblo, Colorado. Its unique coloration caught the attention of a discerning employee, who was handling the crustaceans and had a penchant for baking biscuits at the restaurant. Recognizing the rarity of the specimen, the quick-thinking staff member brought it to the management's notice, initiating a rescue mission for the vivacious creature. Efforts to house Crush at the local zoo proved futile, prompting the establishment to reach out to the aquarium, which expressed immediate interest in providing sanctuary for the lobster. Once at the aquarium, Crush was placed in a special quarantine tank to acclimate to its new surroundings. The tank was whimsically embellished with Denver Broncos helmets, symbolizing the bond between the creature's name and the storied football team's history. Crush's initial vibrant activity indicated a good transition. Crusher's future at the aquarium includes a thorough health examination by a veterinarian. After a quarantine period of 30 days, the lobster will join a dedicated exhibit that showcases various species from the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. This rare orange lobster is an example of the unusual genetic variations that can occur within the species, leading to lobsters exhibiting a range of striking colors such as blue and yellow as well. Crush's presence at the aquarium offers an extraordinary opportunity for the public and tourists to engage with a unique marine animal. Alongside Crush, the aquarium boasts a large variety of over 700 species, featuring not only marine life but also a stingray reef and Sumatran tigers. Crush's journey began far from Colorado, with origins traceable to Canadian waters and a stopover at a Tennessee supplier before inadvertently entering the restaurant supply chain. This lobster's fortuitous brush with fate has transformed what could have been an ordinary end in a seafood platter into a celebrated existence amidst Colorado's marine life enthusiasts and football fans alike.

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💭 Discussion Questions

. How did the unique characteristics of a lobster lead to its relocation from a seafood delivery to an aquarium?

. What measures are taken to ensure that a new specimen, like the orange lobster, adapts well to its new environment in an aquarium?

. Can you discuss the importance of genetic variation in crustacean species, as exemplified by Crush's rare coloration?

📖 Vocabulary

🌐 Cultural context

The Denver Broncos are a popular American football team with a notable defense line known as the "Orange Crush" from the 1970s and 80s. Red Lobster is a widespread seafood restaurant chain in the United States.

🧠 Further reading

Marine conservation

Marine conservation focuses on the protection of ecosystems within oceans and seas, aiming to prevent their excessive exploitation. This field emerged to address serious problems like species loss, habitat destruction, and disruptions in marine ecosystems. It combines scientific studies with considerations of human impact, such as the demand for resources and various aspects of maritime activity. The heightened awareness and interest in marine conservation can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II, largely influenced by Rachel Carson's influential writings about the sea. Her work paved the way for a heightened public consciousness regarding oceans, resulting in the establishment of protected marine areas and refuges in the United States. The dedication of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, with its various marine habitats, stands as a testament to her legacy. Marine conservation as a recognized scientific discipline began to take shape in the 1970s, with advances in undersea explorations.

Armadillidium vulgare

Armadillidium vulgare, commonly known as the pill-bug among other names, is a broadly studied European woodlouse species known for its remarkable ability to roll into a ball for protection. Originating from the Mediterranean region of Europe, this terrestrial isopod has adapted to various environments globally. Hobbyists often keep these creatures as pets, fascinated by their diverse color variations. An adult Armadillidium vulgare can grow up to 18 millimeters long. When comparing it to similar species, such as Armadillidium nasatum and Armadillidium depressum, one can note that A. vulgare rolls into a seamless ball without leaving gaps. This species exhibits remarkable resilience to dry conditions, thriving mainly in areas rich in calcium or near coasts. Its diet consists predominantly of decayed vegetation, though it also consumes lichen and algae from trees and structures. Armadillidium vulgare regulates its temperature behaviorally, seeking sunlight in cooler temperatures and shade in the heat to avoid extremes which can be fatal. It may also enter a dormant state during winter to endure otherwise deadly cold. The natural range of A. vulgare spans Europe, notably around the Mediterranean. While widespread in southern and eastern England, and common in southern and eastern Ireland, it finds coastal areas more hospitable in the colder northern regions. Beyond its native range, A. vulgare has been introduced to and become established in many other environments.

Public aquarium

Public aquariums, similar to terrestrial zoos, showcase a variety of aquatic life forms for visitors to admire. These institutions usually host a series of large tanks and smaller enclosures, surpassing the size typically managed by hobbyists. With origins in the mid-19th century, the number and popularity of such establishments have been on the rise, particularly as they've taken on roles in conservation and public education. The first example of a public aquarium was unveiled at the London Zoo in 1853, within a space known as the Fish House, which resembled the structure of a greenhouse. Following this, P.T. Barnum introduced the first American aquarium within his New York museum in 1856, and shortly after, the Aquarial Gardens began operations in Boston. The concept quickly spread across Europe with facilities opening in cities like Paris, Vienna, Hamburg, Berlin, and Brighton in the subsequent decade. A noteworthy mention is the Berlin Aquarium that made its debut in 1869. Situated centrally on Unter den Linden Boulevard rather than at the local zoo, the aquarium bore the creative touch of its first director, Alfred Brehm, who also led the Hamburg Zoo before. Brehm infused the establishment with educational principles, constructing parts of it to resemble a natural grotto and including representations of the earth's geological layers. Moreover, the Berlin site was not exclusively aquatic; it offered bird displays and pools for seals, and featured an expansive aviary and mammal cages. Operating for over four decades, the Berlin Aquarium ultimately ceased operations in 1910.