Strange News: Man Buys 17 Pound Lobster at Restaurant and Frees Him

When most people see the lobsters in the tank at a seafood restaurant, their mouths water. But not Don MacKenzie. The Niantic, Connecticut man saw a 17 pound lobster in a tank at The Dock eatery, and instead of seeing him on his plate, MacKenzie saw the big guy swimming free. MacKenzie bought the massive crustacean -- which was estimated to have been 80 years old -- and planned the great escape.

"This lobster has seen World War I, World War II, seen the landing on the moon and the Red Sox win the World Series, he's made it this far in life," MacKenzie said to The Day. "...For a lobster to live this long and avoid lobster traps, nets, lobster pots...he doesn't deserve a bib and butter."

On Tuesday, MacKenzie took "Larry" the lobster on a boat out to the Long Island Sound, and in a spot that would make it tough for lobstermen to snag him, MacKenzie clipped and removed the rubber bands the restaurant had on Larry's claws, then released him.

Provided by ABC News Radio © 2012

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