In 2016, the world met one of the most remarkable escape artists ever known — and he wasn’t a human magician. He was Inky the octopus, a clever sea creature who outsmarted his keepers at the National Aquarium of New Zealand and made a daring dash for freedom that left everyone stunned.
A Rescue Story Turned Into a Legend
Before becoming famous, Inky had already survived a tough life. He was rescued by fishermen who found him trapped in a crayfish pot off the coast of New Zealand. The National Aquarium in Napier took him in, giving him a safe home, care, and a tank where visitors could admire his vibrant colors and intelligence.
But Inky wasn’t just another aquarium resident — he was curious, clever, and restless. Keepers noticed his problem-solving nature, often watching him play with toys or explore every corner of his tank. They didn’t realize, however, just how far that curiosity would take him.
The Great Escape
One quiet night in 2016, while the aquarium was dark and empty, Inky decided it was time to go home. Somehow, he managed to slide the lid of his tank open — just enough to squeeze through a tiny gap. Then, using his flexible body and remarkable strength, he slithered across the floor of the aquarium, leaving behind a trail of water.
That trail led to a narrow drainpipe — about 15 centimeters (6 inches) wide — that emptied directly into the ocean. Most animals would never attempt such a squeeze, but octopuses are no ordinary creatures. With no bones and a body built for bending, Inky slipped right in and followed the pipe all the way to freedom.
By morning, all that remained were wet marks across the floor and an open drain cover. Inky was gone.
An Ocean-Wide Sensation
When the story broke, it made headlines around the globe. Newspapers and social media dubbed it “The Great Octopus Escape.” People were amazed — and delighted — by Inky’s intelligence and determination. It wasn’t a planned release, nor a human error that caused it. It was simply one clever octopus who decided he wanted to go home and figured out how to do it.
The aquarium staff weren’t angry. In fact, they admired him. One of the keepers said, “He’s such a smart boy, and we knew he was always exploring. We like to think he’s out there somewhere, living his best life.”
Why Octopuses Are Brilliant Escape Artists
Inky’s story isn’t unique among his kind. Octopuses are some of the most intelligent animals in the ocean. They can solve puzzles, open jars, mimic other sea creatures, and even use tools. Their bodies are made entirely of soft tissue, allowing them to squeeze through incredibly small spaces — as long as their beak fits through.
In aquariums around the world, there are countless tales of octopuses sneaking out of tanks, raiding nearby exhibits for food, or unscrewing lids from the inside. Scientists studying them often describe them as “underwater geniuses” with both problem-solving skills and a surprising sense of curiosity.
The Message Behind the Escape
Inky’s adventure is more than just a fun story — it’s a reminder of how intelligent and emotionally complex marine animals can be. His determination to return to the wild reflects something deeper: some creatures are simply meant to live free.
It also raises an important conversation about how humans interact with wild animals. While aquariums can play a valuable role in conservation and education, stories like Inky’s show that not every animal thrives in captivity. Some, like Inky, belong to the boundless ocean — where their instincts, intelligence, and independence can truly shine.
A Legend of the Deep
To this day, no one has seen Inky again — and maybe that’s how it should be. Somewhere in the waters off New Zealand, he might still be gliding through the deep, hunting for crabs, or hiding among coral.
His escape has earned him a place in marine folklore — a symbol of freedom, intelligence, and the wild spirit of the ocean.
Inky the octopus didn’t just slip through a drainpipe. He slipped into history reminding us all that nature’s cleverest minds often come with eight arms and a heart that belongs to the sea.