A century-old lobster has returned to the ocean after being pardoned by two Long Island officials.

On Thursday, June 12, Lorenzo — a 21-lb., 110-year-old lobster — was released by Butch Yamali, the owner of Peter’s Clam Bar in Island Park, where Lorenzo was an iconic staple, CW affiliate WPIX, News12 and NBC affiliate WNBC reported. 

In honor of National Lobster Day and Father’s Day, Lorenzo received a full pardon with the help of Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, according to WPIX.

“Lorenzo just kind of slipped through the cracks and ended up in our tank for years,” Yamali said of his restaurant’s mascot. “People would come see him and take pictures with him, and he was just an object of the store.” 

The move mirrors the restaurant’s release of another lobster, Lenny, years before. While Lorenzo will be missed, Yamali told the outlet that it’s better this way. (The owner didn’t immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.)

“If he passed away here, it wouldn’t be a good thing,” he told WPIX, “and I couldn’t have the heart to sell him.”

Lorenzo traveled to Atlantic Beach Reef with a full escort on a Hempstead Bay Constable boat, according to WNBC. 

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“Most people celebrate National Lobster Day with butter,” Ferretti told the outlet. “But not today!”

The restaurant also had fun celebrating Lorenzo’s newfound freedom.

“He’s now living his best life — clawing his way to freedom,” wrote the clam bar on Facebook, “and soaking up the salty breeze (instead of butter).” 

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The post A Lobster, 110, Is Finally Free. Why 1 Restaurant Decided He Should Be Swimming in the Ocean — Instead of Butter appeared first on LemonFire.