One of the main attractions at the San Antonio Aquarium is the octopus. But the creature, which is known as a Pacific octopus, has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. In the video, which was posted on the aquarium’s official account, the octopus suctions and wraps its tentacles around an employee’s arm, which was submerged in the touch tank. As the employee continues to give facts about octopuses, the creature continues to wrap around her arm and appears to pull her closer into the tank.
Some viewers even made their own TikToks about this incident. For instance, in one commentary TikTok about this video, user @zjsoap says, “Girl, that octopus is trying to kill you. … She keeps putting her arm in the octopus tank to show how safe it is for kids, for toddlers to come. And that octopus is trying to take her inside.”
“This is a lawsuit waiting to happen,” she adds. The original video amassed 649,800 views. Zjsoap didn’t immediately respond to Bro Bible’s request for comment via TikTok comment.
Commenters Chime In
In the comments of the video, one user shared their own experience at the aquarium.
“I can confirm that the octopus at the San Antonio aquarium was aggressive when we went,” they wrote. “That thing didn’t wanna let me go”
“Don’t blame the octopus,” another added. “The octopus didn’t ask to be a showcase.”
While a third wrote, “I could not imagine telling my kids, go ahead and touch it! Like noooooo you can see where she is even scared at times in the eyes.”
Seemingly, this apparent attempt at good publicity wasn’t enough to quash concerns about the aquarium. Several commenters made reference to that same octopus allegedly attacking a child.
@sanantonio_aquarium Let’s talk about her suction cups! #Octopus #GiantPacificOctopus #Marine #MarineBiology #Ocean #Conservation #Nature #Animals #AnimalFacts #MarineBiologist
A Dangerous Past?
Indeed, earlier in the month, aquarium guest Britney Taryn (@britneytaryn) went on TikTok to warn others about that same octopus, arguing that she doesn’t “think it’s safe for children, especially when unsupervised by staff.”
She shared footage of suction-shaped bruises on her 6-year-old’s arm, which she claims appeared after he put his arm in the touch tank. The octopus, she says, wrapped its tentacles around her son’s arm, with a member of staff purportedly dismissing it as “octopus kisses.” In total, she claims that the octopus was attached to her son for five minutes, and that it took three staff members to get the creature off the boy. Taryn also blasted the aquarium for not following up with her after the incident.
“I’m about to become a menace,” she said.
Taryn told BroBible via email that her family does “not blame the octopus.” She also shared the steps they are taking to “address the broader issues of animal welfare at this facility.”
“We understand that its behavior is completely natural. Our goal is to advocate for better conditions for the animals and to ensure that they are housed in environments that are safe and appropriate. We are actively working with animal rights organizations and reaching out to congressmen … with the hope of creating lasting change and better lives for these animals!”
UPDATE: The aquarium told BroBible via email:
“During the visit, a guest and her child engaged with our octopus exhibit. The octopus exhibit is a 1,000+ gallon habitat intentionally designed with a tall barrier to provide safety for both guests and the animal. Reaching the octopus requires a person to lean fully over the wall of the enclosure and reach approximately 24 inches down from the top edge.
Feeding interactions are strictly allowed only with staff supervision, as indicated by posted signage on the exhibit which states guests must follow all rules and instructions.
In this instance, the guest leaned her child over the exhibit barrier, allowing him to reach into the habitat without staff supervision.
The octopus displayed typical, curious behavior by touching and holding the child’s arm. At no point was the octopus aggressive or attempting to harm the child. Our staff responded promptly to assist, ensuring the child was safely removed from the interaction. The child remained calm throughout, and medical assistance was offered but declined by the mother. An incident report was completed and signed by the mother at the time of the event.
We want to emphasize that our Giant Pacific Octopus is a healthy, well-cared-for animal that thrives in its habitat and does not exhibit harmful behavior toward guests or staff. Octopuses are highly intelligent and curious creatures, and their interactions with humans are often playful and exploratory. However, as with any animal encounter, there are inherent risks, which is why we have strict protocols in place to ensure safety for all.
The San Antonio Aquarium remains committed to providing safe, educational, and memorable experiences for all visitors while maintaining the highest standards of care for our animals. We encourage all guests to follow posted guidelines and staff instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.”