The octopuses on exhibit at the Visitor Center are there due to the generous donations from local crabbers, fishermen, divers and others who inadvertently catch these curious animals when they climb into their traps or nets in search of food. We are grateful to the many local fishermen who have donated octopuses over the years so we may share them with the public in our main exhibit.
Octopus Update
We recently moved a new giant Pacific octopus into the exhibit area. She is just three pounds and was donated to us by Perry Bordeaux, captain of the fishing vessel, Das Bug.
North Side Tank View
South Side Tank View
About our Octocam
The OctoCam view is occasionally cloudy (usually due to maintenance on the seawater systems) or dark. We sometimes darken the tank by covering it when the Visitor Center is closed to give the octopus time to rest. If you can't see a clear image, please revisit us in a day or two.
We also add curtains to darken the tank when we introduce a new octopus. The curtains are slowly removed to help her transition to the busy environment at the Visitor Center.
Octopus rehab
Watch this Visitor Center octopus playing with a toy watering can during his quarantine with our Aquatic Animal Health Program.
Octopuses at the Visitor Center
Octopuses are short-lived, so we try to keep them for only a few months before returning them to the ocean - usually when they begin to show signs of senescence (aging). Pictured left is an octopus from the Visitor Center resting in the water tank.
Learn more about our octopus guests by visiting our OctoFAQ
Donate an octopus
We are always looking for live octopus donations from crabbers, fishermen, divers and others who inadvertently catch these curious animals when they climb into their traps or nets in search of food. Please contact us if you have an octopus to donate.
Note: A state-issued shellfish license is required to make an octopus donation. Contact our Marine Education Volunteer Coordinator, Renee Fowler, if you have an octopus to donate.