Child’s Encounter with Octopus at Texas Aquarium

A recent visit to the San Antonio Aquarium turned into a memorable experience for 6-year-old boy and his mother, Britney Taryn. In a widely viewed TikTok video, Taryn shared footage of her son’s arm covered in welts after an octopus latched onto him and refused to let go. The incident has sparked widespread attention, drawing millions of views online.

Mother Describes Harrowing Experience

Taryn explained that her son frequently visits the aquarium and is accustomed to interacting with the octopus. Typically, the creature suctions onto him briefly before releasing. However, during this visit, the octopus clung on persistently. Taryn recounted her attempts to pull her son away, noting that the octopus began “coming out of the tank” as she did so. It ultimately took three aquarium employees to detach the octopus from her son.

Aquarium’s Response and Safety Protocols

In response to the incident, the San Antonio Aquarium released a statement emphasizing their safety protocols. They clarified that feeding interactions are only permitted under staff supervision and that guests must adhere to posted rules. The aquarium described the octopus’s behavior as typical and curious, asserting that it was not aggressive or harmful. Staff promptly assisted in safely removing the child from the interaction, and medical assistance was offered but declined by Taryn.

Understanding Octopus Behavior

The aquarium highlighted that their giant Pacific octopus is a healthy and well-cared-for animal known for its intelligence and curiosity. While interactions with humans are often playful, they acknowledged inherent risks in animal encounters. The incident underscores the importance of following safety guidelines to ensure enjoyable experiences for all visitors.