Inky the Octopus was a popular exhibit at the National Aquarium in Napier, New Zealand, since 2014. But Inky no longer lives there, as the aquarium has revealed that he made his escape earlier this year. One day, staff noticed that there was only one octopus in the tank instead of two. The lid to the enclosure had had been placed loosely, leaving a small gap, and the octopus took the opportunity to climb out. Octopus tracks led to a small floor drain, only 150 millimeters (6 inches) wide.
Rob Yarrall​ from the National Aquarium said Inky was about the size of a rugby ball but octopuses could stretch themselves to extremes, allowing them to squeeze through almost any space.
"As long as it's mouth can fit," Yarrall said.
"Their bodies are squishy but they have a beak, like a parrot."
Since his disappearance aquarium staff have missed Inky, who was popular with staff and visitors, but they were pleased to see him return to the ocean, Yarrall said.
While we learned that “all drains lead to the ocean” is not universally true, in this case the drain does lead to the ocean. Inky had toys and games and regular meals at the aquarium, but nothing beats freedom.-via Uproxx
(Image credit: National Aquarium of New Zealand)