An adventurous octopus has managed to escape from an aquarium in New Zealand and is now roaming the Pacific Ocean.
Inky the Octopus is thought to have made his bid for freedom in the middle of the night after his tank was accidentally left slightly ajar.
Rob Yarrell, national manager of the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier, told press that “octopuses are famous escape artists”.
“But Inky really tested the waters here,” he added. “I don’t think he was unhappy with us, or lonely, as octopuses are solitary creatures. But he is such a curious boy. He would want to know what’s happening on the outside. That’s just his personality.”
Aquarium staff are not completely sure of Inky’s escape route. One theory is that he slid across the floor before finding the 50 metre drainpipe that lead to the waters of Hawke’s Bay, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Alternatively the octopus could have squeezed through a pipe at the top of his tank which also leads to the drain. Staff at the aquarium are certain that he has not been taken or stolen.
“When we came in the next morning and his tank was empty, I was really surprised,” Yarrell added. “The staff and I have been pretty sad. But then, this is Inky, and he’s always been a bit of a surprise octopus.”
Staff are not going to try and search for Inky but Yarrell said they will be keeping a closer eye on the other octopus at the aquarium.
If you want to try and meet Inky in the wild don't miss our guide to 10 days around New Zealand's North Island.