In a surprising turn of events, a crab managed to escape from prison using its “escape claws” and went on to participate in the World’s Funniest Crab Joke competition. The competition, held by the Crab Museum in Margate to celebrate International Crab Day, saw a plethora of hilarious submissions vying for the top spot.
The winning joke, “Why did the crab cross the road? It didn’t. It used the sidewalk,” tickled the funny bones of the judges, including comedians Harry Hill, Rose Matafeo, Sally Phillips, and Phil Wang. The competition had only two rules – keep the jokes PG and mention lobsters in the setup but not the “pinchline.”
While most of the 700 submissions followed the rules, some jokes were disqualified for scientific inaccuracy and lewdness. In a unique twist, the crabs themselves picked the winner from the top four jokes selected by the judges, with the help of some tinned fish and rolled-up pieces of paper.
The competition aimed to raise awareness about the diverse world of crabs and inspire environmental activism. The Crab Museum, Europe’s first and only museum dedicated to decapods, hopes to educate visitors about biology, climate change, and evolutionary history through the lens of crabs.
The event showcased the intersection of science, humor, and philosophy, offering a unique and entertaining experience for visitors. With an award-winning social media presence, the museum continues to push boundaries and challenge perceptions about these fascinating crustaceans.