Overview

• On July 14, an octopus at the aquarium’s Animal Encounters exhibit latched onto six-year-old Leo’s arm, leaving deep purple suction marks from his wrist to his armpit.
• Staff initially described the octopus as “super playful” and needed three employees and five minutes to pry its tentacles off the boy’s arm.
• Britney Taryn’s animal welfare complaint has prompted a formal USDA review into the aquarium’s compliance with federal animal welfare regulations.
• The San Antonio Aquarium has not publicly responded to requests for comment on the incident or the ongoing review.
• Taryn is calling for clearer guidelines and stronger oversight of interactive animal programs to protect both children and the animals involved.