Oh he's quite alive. He's merely sleeping very soundly. Try dipping him in some drawn butter if you have any doubts. Won't stand for it. I also have to remember never to wear him in the kitchen because he has a panic reaction to large pots of boiling water. You'll notice he only has one claw.. that's because a lobster like this is way too good to eat all at once.When is this dang Prom deal anyway?