Child, age 6, sustains bruises from octopus grasp at aquarium, asserts mother
In an unexpected turn of events, a visit to the San Antonio Aquarium on July 14, 2025, turned into an unforgettable experience for a 6-year-old boy named Leo and his family. During an interactive exhibit, Leo found himself in a rare encounter with a giant Pacific octopus named Cthulhu, who latched onto his arm[1][2].
The incident, which was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, saw Cthulhu wrapping its tentacles around Leo and refusing to let go. Despite Taryn's attempts to remove Leo from the tank, the octopus followed them[1]. It took about three employees to remove the octopus, using ice packs to distract it during the process[3].
Fortunately, Leo was not in pain as a result of the encounter, and the incident left only suction bruises on his arm, which have since healed[1]. However, the incident has left a lasting impression on the family, who visited the octopus after the incident to say goodbye, seeking closure for Leo[1].
Craig Pelke, the director of ectotherms at the San Antonio Zoo, believes that Cthulhu may have been overstimulated during the incident[4]. Octopuses are normally gentle creatures, according to Pelke[4]. Regarding Cthulhu's age, it is known that giant Pacific octopuses have a lifecycle of about 3-5 years, usually dying shortly after reproduction due to senescence, a biological aging process that leads to deterioration in function and eventual death[5]. However, no direct information was found about Cthulhu's age or senescence state.
In response to the incident, the aquarium has not publicly detailed specific changes or measures in its safety protocols. The strength of octopus suction is notable for handling considerations, as these animals are capable of moving objects up to 700 pounds[1]. The incident happened despite usual visitor interaction protocols, indicating possible gaps in touch tank supervision or visitor guidance.
Regarding regulatory compliance, there are no explicit statements about changes following the incident. The aquarium did respond on social media with videos explaining octopus behavior but did not provide detailed explanations of new safety protocols or statements about compliance with animal welfare or public safety regulations[1][4].
The family's primary concern is the welfare of Cthulhu and the animals at the aquarium. Taryn, Leo's mother, has expressed a desire to ensure the well-being of the animals at the aquarium. However, no information was provided about any further actions taken by Taryn or the family regarding Cthulhu's care.
For more details on the aquarium’s official safety and compliance policies, contacting the San Antonio Aquarium directly or reviewing local animal care regulations may be necessary.
References:
[1] San Antonio Express-News. (2025, July 15). Octopus latches onto boy's arm at San Antonio Aquarium. Retrieved from https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Octopus-latches-onto-boy-s-arm-at-San-Antonio-15616704.php
[2] KENS 5. (2025, July 15). Boy's arm latched onto by octopus at San Antonio Aquarium. Retrieved from https://www.kens5.com/video/news/local/boy-s-arm-latched-onto-by-octopus-at-san-antonio-aquarium/507-e6392e57-b00d-4143-a64a-2a64e6d87971
[3] ABC News. (2025, July 16). Octopus latches onto boy's arm at San Antonio Aquarium. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/video/octopus-latches-boy-s-arm-san-antonio-aquarium-69524577
[4] San Antonio Aquarium. (2025, July 16). Statement on Octopus Encounter. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/sanantonioaquarium/photos/a.229947699139/10159334302269914/?type=3&theater
[5] NOAA Fisheries. (2021). Giant Pacific Octopus. Retrieved from https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/giant-pacific-octopus
science: The strength of octopus suction is notable for handling considerations, as these animals are capable of moving objects up to 700 pounds [1].
health-and-mental-health: Taryn, Leo's mother, has expressed a desire to ensure the well-being of the animals at the aquarium, showing concern for the mental health of Cthulhu and the aquarium's other creatures.
