The Aquarium is saddened by the loss of Ghost, the giant Pacific octopus who was beloved by staff, guests, and those who learned about her online. Ghost died on March 24 after entering senescence, the natural end-of-life process after laying eggs. The Aquarium announced Ghost’s senescence online in September 2025. Ghost was resting behind the scenes while animal care and veterinary staff provided her with extra support and care during her senescence.

Ghost arrived at the Aquarium in May 2024, weighing about three pounds at the time. She had grown to over fifty pounds and was estimated to have been between two and four years old at the time of her passing. “We are going to miss her. Ghost left a big impression on us and on so many people, even those beyond our Aquarium,” said Nate Jaros, Aquarium of the Pacific vice president of animal care. “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.”

Though senescence is part of the natural life cycle of a female octopus, Ghost’s senescence was a sad time for Aquarium staff, especially for those who formed a bond with her as they cared for her each day. The care has included hand preparing restaurant quality seafood, curating enrichment activities with her in mind, creating thoughtfully designed habitats, state-of-the-art veterinary care, and more. Ghost was a wonderful octopus and made an eight-armed impression on all our hearts. We are grateful for the outpouring of support and care for Ghost. “We hope part of her legacy is raising awareness about octopuses and inspiring people to care for and protect the ocean,” said Jaros.

Giant Pacific octopuses typically live for about two to five years. They tend to spend the majority of their lives alone. Males die within months after mating. After laying tens of thousands of eggs, female giant Pacific octopuses enter senescence. This natural process is the same whether or not the eggs are fertile and cannot be stopped or prevented by relocating the eggs. The giant Pacific octopus ranges throughout the Pacific, from the coasts of Southern California to Japan. Like other species of octopuses, they have special pigment cells called chromatophores in their skin that allow them to change colors and camouflage. With their pigment cells, they can mimic surrounding colors and textures.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Aquarium of the Pacific staff were able to free an entangled green sea turtle and rescue another green sea turtle that needed immediate medical attention in early March thanks to a partnership and permit with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) West Coast Region. Both turtles are estimated to be subadults and were found in distress in the San Gabriel River, where the Aquarium conducts its ongoing Southern California Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. The sea turtle that was rescued was in critical condition and brought to the Aquarium where veterinary experts are trying to save it. The turtle is now in stable condition, had surgery on its injured flipper and also to remove a hook from its throat, and is going through recovery.

Working in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s veterinary staff members regularly help to rehabilitate ill or injured sea turtles for release back into the ocean. The Aquarium has cared for turtles since 2000, including green, olive ridley, and loggerhead sea turtles.

All seven of the world’s sea turtle species are endangered. If you see a stranded sea turtle in the San Gabriel River or elsewhere, please call the West Coast Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network 24/7 hotline at: 562-506-4315.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.