(by Shelby Morelli)

We are saddened to share about the recent passing of our ambassador Hermit Crab who resided at the Massabesic Center. He came to our care in 2013, making him at least 12 years old – a long life for a Hermit Crab! While our Hermit Crab, a Caribbean Hermit Crab (Coenobita clypeatus), was not native to NH, he helped students learn all about how invertebrates move, behave, and fit into our ecosystem. He allowed us to teach folks about NH’s marine Hermit Crabs and how they play a key role in the state’s ecosystem as detritivores, feeding on decaying organic material on the beaches and ocean floor.

Our Hermit Crab’s passing reminds us of the natural cycles of life, and we have new life to celebrate at our centers, too. Leopard Frog tadpoles are swimming through their early stages, educating people of all ages about metamorphosis. These moments teach us about growth and the cycles that connect us all. We hope you’ll come to visit our centers to take a moment to appreciate and learn from these wonderful ambassador animals, young and old.