Texas Boy Injured After Giant Pacific Octopus Clings to His Arm at San Antonio Aquarium

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — A Texas mother is going viral after her 6-year-old son was left with deep suction cup bruises from a giant Pacific octopus encounter at the San Antonio Aquarium, sparking public debate over animal safety protocols in interactive exhibits.

The incident, which took place on July 14, involved a young boy named Leo, whose arm was gripped tightly by the aquarium’s resident octopus, Cthulhu. According to his mother, Britney Taryn, the animal refused to let go — leaving the child frightened and covered in dark circular marks from his wrist to his armpit.

Viral TikTok Sparks Concern and Debate

Taryn shared the experience on TikTok, where her videos quickly went viral, amassing more than 3 million views. “He started saying, ‘Mom, it’s not letting me go,’” she recalled in one post. “It took three adults to remove the octopus from his arm.”

The mother said she and her son were frequent visitors to the aquarium and had interacted with the same octopus before without any issues. She described the marks as “octopus hickeys” and urged parents to be cautious when allowing children to interact with marine animals.

In response, the San Antonio Aquarium posted several videos addressing the viral attention and explaining the animal’s behavior.

Aquarium Defends Animal’s Behavior

An aquarium employee explained in a TikTok video that giant Pacific octopuses are incredibly strong, with roughly 200 suction cups per arm, each capable of gripping with substantial force. “These guys can move objects up to 700 pounds,” the employee said while interacting with Cthulhu in her 1,000-gallon tank.

“We make them very happy here. They have toys, enrichment, and a varied diet,” the staff member added. “Suction marks are actually common and normal for strong, inquisitive animals like her. We call them ‘octopus kisses.’”

Another aquarium video reassured viewers that such bruises typically fade within seven to fourteen days and are not harmful or dangerous.

Mother Calls for Safety Review

Despite the aquarium’s response, Taryn said she was unsatisfied with the explanation, arguing that staff should have warned guests about the potential for suction injuries. “Now, imagine that’s a six-year-old,” she said in one follow-up post reacting to the aquarium’s video.

While she emphasized she doesn’t view the incident as an “attack,” she urged the facility to better document interactions between guests and large sea creatures, and to improve supervision around touch tanks.

The mother added that she and Leo have since returned to the aquarium and visited Cthulhu again, noting that her main goal is to raise awareness rather than criticize.

Experts Weigh In on Octopus Behavior

Marine experts note that octopuses are highly intelligent and curious animals, known to explore objects — and people — using their suction cups. Their grip is strong but not intended to harm. “They can bite, but they rarely do,” one marine biologist explained. “What most people see are suction marks, not injuries.”

The incident has reignited discussion over how aquariums balance public engagement with animal welfare and safety, especially when children are involved.

Taryn continues to use social media to advocate for better visitor education and improved touch tank safety guidelines. The San Antonio Aquarium has not issued an official statement beyond its TikTok responses.

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