Octopus swims solo for ‘blind date' in cannibalism concerns

SEATTLE — Instead of the Seattle Aquarium’s traditional “Octopus Blind Date” this February, the aquarium is saying farewell to their bachelor octopus, Kong.

Kong had one of his final events on Sunday, when he swam solo for his last Valentine’s Day appearance.

In past years staff at the aquarium brought in another a giant octopus. This year Kong got the cold shoulder because animals can attack and even eat each other during mating, and the staff didn't want to take a chance.

“Unfortunately, this year we didn’t find the right female for Kong, so we wanted to make sure he had enough change. We had a planned release anyway so this is his chance to find a mate,” an aquarium official told KIRO 7 News.

Kong will be released back into Puget Sound on Monday, Feb. 15.

Last year, the aquarium set the mood for the Octopus Blind Date with decorative hearts, roses, and romantic music close to the octopus exhibit.

Afterward, the aquarium announced the two had had a successful first date.

'Franklin was a little shy in the beginning, but in the end Hazel fell for his charm,' wrote the Seattle Aquarium over Facebook.

Cox Media Group