Rescue lobster to enjoy happy Blue Monday thanks to the World Museum

Marge, a European lobster, was rescued last year and brought to the Living Centres team at World Museum for care.

Resident lobster expert Abi Smith, Living Centres Assistant Curator at World Museum, rushed in on her day off to check her over and liaised with the vet to determine if any treatments were needed. Thankfully all that was required was a dark and cosy space and some food.

It was touch and go whether Marge could be accepted as a long-term resident at the Aquarium as housing new animals, including rescues or transfers from other aquariums need to be pre-planned and well thought out. However, it’s not possible to release animals back into the ocean if it’s not known which area they come from – as it can cause disruption to other species. The Living Centres team does not at all recommend taking any live animal into the museum.

The team care for around 400 residents across the Aquarium and Bug House and adhere to strict rules set by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) – to ensure the highest animal welfare standards.

Abi Smith, Living Centres Assistant Curator at World Museum said:

“Lobsters are remarkable creatures and Marge has stolen our hearts.

“Many people aren’t aware that most lobster species are blue, as we are used to seeing them depicted as red in cartoons or on tv if they’re being cooked to be eaten.

“European Lobsters can live for up to sixty years in the wild and adults are able to moult their hard outer shell or exoskeleton around once a year so that they can continue to grow.

“Marge’s last moult didn’t go as smoothly as it could have and she lost one of her claws, however things are looking up as she starts the year in a new tank and with signs of a new claw starting to grow.

“She’s been through such a lot in a short time and we’re pleased we can keep her safe and well fed.

“We put a lot of effort into a varied feeding menu for her to mimic things she’d come across in the wild, like prawns and mussels, and we are always coming up with new ways to keep things exciting for her.”

You can find out more about Marge and the other animals the team care for on regular behind the scenes tours and keeper experience days – where there is even a chance to see Marge’s moult up close.