Aquarium of the Pacific Shares Both Sad and Exciting News About Their Giant Pacific Octopuses
Located in Long Beach, California, the Aquarium of the Pacific is home to many ocean animals including a Giant Pacific Octopus named Goji. The aquarium shared a video on July 31st welcoming a new octopus to the family, Ghost. And she's a cutie!
The aquarium announced that Ghost is now on exhibit and if you visit, you may even get to see her if she's not hiding. Ghost first arrived at the aquarium back in June when she weighed just four pounds. She now ways seven pounds and still has a long way to go before catching up with Goji who weighs a whopping 40 pounds.
I love that Aquarium of the Pacific even gave Ghost a middle name, Pepper, because she's so feisty! We used to live near the aquarium and had annual passes. We would visit the aquarium at least once a week during the summer. We loved to go for a few hours and see all of the animals. I even have a picture of Goji! I wish we were still there to go see Ghost Pepper.
Commenters also welcomed Ghost to the aquarium's family. @Animalmom124 said, "Such a beauty, even if her name suggests she could be a little spicy at times!" @shannonhiggins825 shared, "Ghost is sooo cute!!!" and another said, "Adorable! Can't wait to see more posts about her!" I feel the same way!
Related: Octopus Leads Australian Diver to a ‘Mysterious Structure’ at the Bottom of the Ocean
What is Senescence?
As you watched the video, you may have heard the aquarium say that Goji is entering senescence. They didn't expand on it in the video, but a commenter asked what senescence is and what it means for Goji. The aquarium shared a video the next day explaining senescence, and it's sad news for Goji's fans.
The aquarium describes senescence as "the inevitable last stage of an octopus' life". Octopuses have short life span, with the Giant Pacific Octopus living the longest - only 3-5 years. During senescence, females lay eggs and spend the rest of their time caring for them. They neglect their own needs, like eating, to devote the rest of their lives to protecting the eggs. Goji will stay with them until they hatch, and then she'll pass away. The process takes about 6-7 months. Males also go through senescence and show a cognitive decline.
Goji is spending the rest of her days in privacy, and the aquarium says that they'll be giving her the care and attention she deserves during the last of her days. She's been an incredible ambassador to her species, and fans are saddened to know that she's at the final stage of her life. @Cook4TheCause shared, "I know this is normal, but I’m so sad. My son and I love visiting Goji." @Lauren spoke for all of us when she said, "Sweet Goji. Please know that you are so loved. I hope such love comforts you through this process." It will be a sad day for fans of Goji's when her last day arrives, but there's comfort in knowing she's being well cared for and loved.
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