san antonio tx, August 1, 2025

News Summary

A mother is calling for safety reforms at the San Antonio Aquarium after her son suffered injuries from a giant Pacific octopus during a visit. The incident, which involved deep suction bruises on the 6-year-old’s arm, has raised concerns about the aquarium’s lack of supervision during animal encounters. Following the incident, the mother filed a complaint with the USDA and reached out to political representatives, advocating for better treatment of both children and animals in such facilities.

San Antonio

A mother is calling for changes at the San Antonio Aquarium after her son sustained injuries from an encounter with a giant Pacific octopus during a visit on July 14, 2025. The incident has sparked significant concern, particularly after videos of the event went viral on TikTok, amassing over 1 million views.

Britney Taryn reported that her 6-year-old son, Leo, was attacked by the octopus, which he previously adored as his favorite attraction in the aquarium. According to Taryn, the octopus clung to Leo, resulting in deep suction bruises that extended from his wrist to his armpit. Visitors are permitted to touch the octopus as part of the aquarium’s “Animal Encounters” programming, but on this occasion, staff supervision was reportedly absent.

Taryn did not receive immediate assistance during the incident, and she vocally called for help while the octopus emerged from its tank. It took three employees approximately five minutes to detach the creature from Leo’s arm. Despite the ordeal, Leo remained calm throughout the situation, thanks to his knowledge of animal behavior, particularly regarding octopuses.

After the incident, Taryn contacted the Texas State Aquarium for guidance. They advised her to file a complaint with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) concerning animal welfare. In her complaint, Taryn highlighted the extensive nature of Leo’s injuries and expressed dissatisfaction with how on-site employees handled the aftermath, claiming they downplayed the severity of the event.

Contrary to Taryn’s expectations, the USDA informed her that octopuses are exempt from the Animal Welfare Act, meaning that they do not fall under its regulatory purview. This revelation has left Taryn frustrated, particularly as there has been little to no follow-up communication from the San Antonio Aquarium since the incident.

Days after the incident, the aquarium posted a TikTok showcasing the octopus, named Cthulhu. An employee claimed that the bruises would fade within 7 to 14 days and that they were not harmful. Taryn has voiced her concerns not only regarding her son’s experience but also for the welfare of both children and the animals housed at the aquarium.

Taryn’s advocacy extends to contacting U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro and filing a report with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She is urging for improved treatment of all animals at the aquarium and has suggested relocating the octopus to a rescue organization where it can live with a better quality of life.

This incident has highlighted ongoing safety concerns at the San Antonio Aquarium, which has faced scrutiny in the past related to its touch-and-feel tanks and previous inspection violations. The facility has also experienced incidents, including a theft of a shark from a touch pool and a closure due to COVID-19-related violations. Notably, Taryn found that the aquarium is not accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, raising further questions about its operational standards.

Background of the San Antonio Aquarium

Established to educate visitors about marine life, the San Antonio Aquarium features various exhibits and animal encounters. However, prior concerns regarding its safety history have raised eyebrows among families who frequent the facility.

Current Status and Recommendations

In light of the incident, Taryn is advocating for improved safety measures at the aquarium, including better training for staff during animal encounters and enhanced visitor supervision. She hopes that other families and their children can have a secure and enjoyable experience when visiting.

Key Features of the Incident

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Additional Resources

• New York Post
• Wikipedia: Octopus
• AOL
• Google Search: San Antonio Aquarium Octopus Incident
• KSAT
• Google Scholar: San Antonio Aquarium
• CBS News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Aquarium
• Smithsonian Magazine
• Google News: Giant Pacific Octopus San Antonio

Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.