The octopuses on exhibit at the Visitor Center are generously donated by 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
3/11/26
We have a new octopus! To help him acclimate safely, we are following our standard move-in protocol. The Octopus Lair is currently covered with curtains to reduce stress from foot traffic, and we’ll gradually open them as he becomes more comfortable. Stanchions have been placed around the exhibit to create a buffer—please help us by not lifting the curtains, as interruptions can set back the acclimation process.
You may notice that this octopus is missing a few arms—something that can happen in the wild during encounters with predators or other octopuses. The injuries were already healed when the animal was collected, so we know they were not caused by the collection process. The octopus will receive the highest quality care here until he shows signs that he is ready to reproduce. At that time, we will return him back to the ocean.
Check out out our Octo FAQ page for more information.
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 them transition to the busy environment at the Visitor Center.
Octopus Enrichment
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.