Sat Aug 02 10:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Boy Gets Bruised Encounter with Octopus at San Antonio Aquarium
**San Antonio, TX -** A six-year-old boy’s close encounter with a giant Pacific octopus at the San Antonio Aquarium has gone viral, sparking debate about the safety of touch tanks. Britney Taryn, the boy’s mother, shared her family’s experience on TikTok, recounting how the octopus latched onto her son Leo’s arm after he reached into the touch tank on July 14th.
According to Taryn, it took three adults to detach the octopus, leaving Leo with noticeable purple suction bruises from his wrist to his armpit. While she acknowledges that they have interacted with the octopus before without incident, Taryn claims she received no prior warning about the potential strength and grip of the animal.
The San Antonio Aquarium responded indirectly to the incident with a TikTok video explaining that octopus suction marks, while visually striking, are generally harmless and fade within a couple of weeks. Octopus biologist Meg Mindlin explained that octopi use their arms and taste sensors within their suction cups to explore their surroundings.
Taryn maintains that she isn’t calling the incident an “attack,” and has even returned to the aquarium with Leo to see the octopus again. However, she’s using social media to raise awareness and advocate for improved safety protocols and more comfortable living conditions for the octopus and similar animals.
Taryn says she’s contacted the aquarium requesting documentation of the incident and an explanation of their safety procedures, but has yet to receive a response. The story has ignited online discussion about the appropriateness of allowing children to interact with potentially powerful marine life. The incident was reported by NBC News Digital breaking news reporter Rebecca Cohen.
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