Octopus breaks out of aquarium, slithers across the floor, and escapes to the ocean via a drain pipe

(Image credit: iStock)

published 13 April 2016

Who knew octopuses were such skilled escape artists? New Zealand's National Aquarium just found out the hard way after its octopus, Inky, managed to wiggle its way out of a small gap at the top of its tank, crawl across the floor to a six-inch-wide drain, and then squeeze its body through it to slip away into the great freedom of the open ocean.

The staff at the aquarium was able to piece together the octopus' escape route by following the telltale tracks — or rather, suction cup prints — that it left behind. Apparently, the aquarium had been previously warned that while Inky was "getting used to being the aquarium," staff needed to "keep Inky amused" so he wouldn't get bored and attempt an escape, as octopuses have been known to do.