The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town has bid an emotional goodbye to Cherry, its beloved common octopus, releasing her back into the ocean at the end of July after months spent charming visitors and keepers alike, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium / Facebook
Two Oceans Aquarium bids farewell to its famous cephalopod ambassador
Cherry became one of the aquarium’s most recognisable ocean ambassadors during her stay, forming a close bond with aquarist Taygan Roberts. Footage shared on the Two Oceans Aquarium’s Facebook page shows the moment Cherry was set free, described by the team as ‘a happy’ goodbye.
Watch video here.
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As Cherry reached sexual maturity, her release gave her the chance to find a mate and contribute to the next generation of common octopuses along the Cape coast. The aquarium said releasing animals once they mature forms an essential part of its conservation and animal welfare commitment.
Cherry’s tank has since welcomed a new resident, Plum, who will spend three to six months at the aquarium as the newest ocean ambassador before her own release, the aquarium confirmed on Facebook.
Visitors can still meet Plum in the aquarium’s Diversity Gallery, where she will help inspire ocean conservation awareness ahead of her own return to the wild.
Article shared by Cape Etc.
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