Divers release giant pacific octopus back to the ocean

Once again, the time has come to bid farewell to an incredible, impactful, maturing octopus as we release her back to the ocean!
Pickles, the giant Pacific octopus, was only 90 grams when she arrived to the ASLC. That's about the size of your thumb👍
During her time at the ASLC, she made special connections with hundreds of people during encounters, starred in educational videos, and inspired thousands who visited the octopus grotto.
In only three years, she grew to almost 300 times her original size, weighing in at 26.3 kg before her release.
Giant Pacific octopus have terminal reproduction, and the ASLC is fortunate that we are permitted to release our giant Pacific octopus as they reach maturity for the opportunity to find a mate and reproduce in the wild.
Members of our dive team Chuck, Sean, and Kim took the boat out into the Gulf of Alaska to release her in prime octopus habitat and bid this impactful animal farewell. ❤

[@lpk4606]

She is lovely!

[@Natalia-ej2tx]

Happy journeys Pickles! May you enjoy the vast deep blue!!!

[@marleynightingale4312]

Farewell, Pickles!

[@awesomesamus3957]

💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@prettifulprettiful9634]

That's messed up. U know that thing is gonna be waiting for its meal 3pm on the dot SMH. Poor baby can't fend for itself in the huge ocean

[@kevink809]

My first thought to

[@goofy_goober666]

That’s just nature, things die.