Weighing an animal is rarely straightforward. Weighing an animal with eight arms, a penchant for squeezing into tight spaces, and the general demeanor of a highly intelligent, deep-sea escape artist? That requires a certain flair. Enter Glinda, a Giant Pacific octopus at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, and her surprisingly low-tech, high-IQ weigh-in routine.
Turns out, the secret to getting a squishy cephalopod on a scale starts with a laundry basket. Yes, a laundry basket. An aquarist gently coaxes Glinda into a water-draining basket, swiftly transfers her to a scale, gets the reading, and returns her to her exhibit. The entire operation clocks in at mere seconds. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for anyone who's ever tried to get a cat into a carrier.
This isn't some octopus-napping scheme, though. This is science, powered by positive reinforcement. Aquarist Brooke has spent time teaching Glinda to willingly climb into the basket. Her reward? Special toys and, naturally, some tasty snacks. Because even a super-smart octopus needs a little incentive.
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Start Your News DetoxNate Jaros, the aquarium's vice president of animal care, notes that Glinda is a spry one to one-and-a-half years old. Tracking her weight is crucial for monitoring her growth, overall health, and ensuring she's getting the perfect diet. And for those picturing a gasping octopus: Jaros confirms these creatures can handle short stints out of water just fine. Glinda, apparently, finds the whole basket-and-scale adventure a delightful form of playtime, sometimes even more so than the treats.
So, the next time you're wrestling with a particularly tangled sheet, spare a thought for Glinda. Her laundry basket is for science, not socks.
