Ghost laid eggs and entered the last phase of her life cycle<\/a>, known as senescence. She had been resting behind the scenes while being taken care of by aquarium staff during her senescence.<\/p>\nGhost the octopus is spending her final days at the Aquarium of the Pacific caring for her eggs – even though they will never hatch.<\/p>\n
“We are going to miss her. Ghost left a big impression on us and on so many people, even those beyond our Aquarium,” Nate Jaros, Aquarium of the Pacific vice president of animal care, said in a press release announcing her death. “She was spirited and very charismatic and loved to interact with our animal care staff. She was very engaged with the mazes and puzzles our staff created just for her. Ghost had a preference for interacting with her aquarist caregiver, sometimes preferring these interactions over eating. She was especially inquisitive when our staff members would dive in the habitat for maintenance.”<\/p>\n
In her last days, care for Ghost included hand-prepped quality seafood, curated enrichment activities for her mind, and state-of-the art veterinary care.<\/p>\n
Although senescence is part of the natural life cycle of a female octopus, aquarium officials noted her passing was a sad time for all.<\/p>\n
“We hope part of her legacy is raising awareness about octopuses and inspiring people to care for and protect the ocean,” said Jaros.<\/p>\n
Ghost arrived at Aquarium of the Pacific in May 2024 and only weighed about three pounds at the time. She grew to be over 50 pounds and was estimated to have been between two and four years old when she died.<\/p>\n
In the wild, giant Pacific octopuses live up to five years. They spend their whole lives alone and only come together briefly to reproduce.<\/p>\n
Ghost’s eggs were unfertilized and will never hatch.<\/p>\n
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