An octopus named Inky escaped from a New Zealand aquarium in 2016 by slipping through a drainage pipe into the ocean, showcasing its cleverness and curiosity.
Octopus escapes through drainage pipe
In April 2016, an octopus named Inky escaped from the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier by slipping through a drainage pipe into the Pacific Ocean. The escape was discovered when caretakers found a long wet trail leading from the tank to the drainage opening.Escape method involves ajar lid
The octopus had taken advantage of a slightly ajar lid during routine cleaning to cross the floor and reach the drainage pipe. This allowed it to move through the 50-meter pipe that opened directly into the ocean.Inky's background and tankmate
Inky, a male octopus, had been caught two years earlier in a lobster trap and transferred to the aquarium, where it shared its tank with a smaller male octopus named Blotchy. The aquarium staff dismissed the possibility of theft due to the site's security measures.Aquarium's response and media coverage
The aquarium did not replace Inky and did not publicly disclose the incident until three months after the event, following coverage by New Zealand radio. The incident highlighted Inky's inquisitive nature and its ability to explore and manipulate its environment with precision.
