Freshwater Kraken Ready to be Released
Prospect Park’s newest aquatic resident is ready to be released from captivity. On Wednesday, June 14th, Park staff plan to release the Park’s first freshwater kraken into the northern Lullwater reaches of the Lake, where it will presumably migrate into the Lake itself.
The kraken has been submerged in a concrete and steel cage on the banks of the Lullwater for six weeks for its own protection, explained Esteban Asturias, Assistant Director of Park Subterranean and Aquatic Fauna Acquisitions.
“Kraken, while quite fierce, are also very sensitive to their environment,” said Asturias. “They need four to six weeks before they’ve fully acclimated to the pH balance of their new surroundings.”
The huge creatures are typically kept confined, therefore, so they they will have fully adapted before they have to face the additional stresses of establishing new territories and feeding grounds.
An informal “Welcome Ceremony” will be held Wednesday at 2pm on the north side of the Lullwater Bridge. Hank’s Brooklyn Burgers will be providing “kraken burgers” for $6. Park Staff request that attendees do not bring small dogs that can be easily grabbed from the shoreline.
