SAN ANTONIO — Protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) gathered outside the San Antonio Aquarium on Sunday, following an incident last month where an octopus latched onto a 6-year-old boy’s arm, leaving him with bruises.
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Protesters claimed that the animals at the aquarium are not treated properly, alleging that the tanks are too small and that the animals are forced to interact with humans.
The boy’s mother, interviewed last week, expressed her concerns after learning more about the octopus involved in the incident. “After the encounter, she learned the octopus is in its final stages of its life and wishes for it to be set free,” she said.
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Despite the protests, the aquarium was found to be in compliance with regulations in its latest inspection report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The aquarium has not yet responded to requests for comment.