COLUMBIA — Susan, a giant Pacific octopus at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, has died, the zoo announced June 12.
The male octopus was named in honor of Susan F. Boyd, whose support through The Boyd Foundation has been instrumental in the Riverbanks' conservation efforts, the zoo said in a Facebook post.
Susan, a giant Pacific octopus at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, has died.
"Susan's life serves as a testament to the incredible nature of octopuses, known for their intelligence, adaptability, and relatively short but impactful lives," the post read. "Throughout (his) time with us, Susan helped us to better understand his remarkable species and the importance of marine conservation."
Susan was born in the waters off the coast of Washington State. He was somewhere between 2 and 3 years old when he died, according to Riverbanks spokesperson Matt Perron.
Giant Pacific octopi have lifespans anywhere between two and five years, with males typically having shorter lives.
Susan spent his days swimming around the 20,000-square-foot Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center, where he became a popular attraction.
“When Susan came to the zoo, it seemed a little intimidating, but that intimidation quickly grew into a connection," zoo aquarist Sarah Weaver said in the post. "Susan grew much quicker than any of us would have expected and developed a big personality as well. Almost everything seemed like a game, when it came to feeding, cleaning, or sometimes even spraying the keepers with water.
"But some days, Susan just wanted someone to hang out with. I truly feel lucky to have had Susan as the first octopus I have ever cared for, and we will never forget the impact Susan had on all of us here at the zoo.”
A new octopus is "currently acclimating behind the scenes" and will join the exhibit in the coming weeks, the zoo said.
