News Summary
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden mourns the loss of Susan, a beloved Giant Pacific Octopus, who passed away on June 12. Known for her vibrant personality, Susan captivated visitors since her arrival in 2023. The zoo plans to introduce a new octopus in the coming weeks to continue educating the public about marine life and conservation efforts.
Columbia, SC – Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has announced the passing of Susan, its beloved Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO), on June 12, 2025. Known for her vibrant personality and playful demeanor, Susan was a significant resident at the zoo, captivating visitors and staff alike since her arrival on December 1, 2023.
Susan was named in honor of benefactor Susan F. Boyd and quickly became the highlight of the Darnall W and Susan F Boyd Foundation Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center (ARCC). While her exact age remains uncertain, GPOs typically have a lifespan of three to five years in the wild. Spokesperson Matt Perron indicated that Susan was between 2 to 3 years old at the time of her death. Her health had been closely monitored by the zoo’s veterinary and animal teams since she began entering senescence in November 2024, a natural phase that signifies the end of an octopus’s life cycle.
During her time at the zoo, Susan contributed to greater awareness of marine conservation issues. GPOs are known to be highly intelligent and adaptive creatures. They can grow up to a radial span of 20 feet and primarily consume smaller marine fishes, shellfish, and occasionally other octopuses.
One of the staff keepers noted that Susan had a distinct personality and enjoyed engaging in playful behaviors, turning activities such as feeding and cleaning into games. This interaction not only entertained Susan but also fostered deeper connections and bonds with her caretakers, reflecting the complex social dynamics that these creatures can exhibit.
The loss of Susan is being felt deeply by both the staff and the community. She was seen not merely as an exhibit but as a testament to the intelligence and emotional capacity of octopuses. The time spent with her highlighted the importance of understanding and protecting marine life.
In light of Susan’s passing, Riverbanks Zoo is preparing to welcome a new octopus that is currently acclimating behind the scenes. This new resident will join the exhibit in the upcoming weeks, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn more about these fascinating creatures and further the conversation around ocean conservation.
Overall, Susan’s impact at the Riverbanks Zoo extends beyond her years; she helped create memorable educational experiences for guests while illuminating the challenges that marine ecosystems face today. As a beloved feature of the aquarium, her legacy will continue to inspire future conservation efforts and enrich the public’s understanding of marine life.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Giant Pacific Octopus
- WLTX
- Google Search: Giant Pacific Octopus
- ABC Columbia
- Google Scholar: Giant Pacific Octopus
- QCity Metro
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Giant Pacific Octopus
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