A Boy and His Octopus
In the heart of Oklahoma, 9-year-old Cal Clifford shares a unique bond with his pet octopus, capturing the imagination of over 400,000 TikTok followers.
Cal’s fascination with octopuses began when he was just two years old.
“I’ve just loved them since I was 2 because they’re the closest things to aliens,” Cal explained to Good Morning America.
He always dreamed of having one but never imagined it would be a reality for him.
The Dream Comes True
Cal’s dream turned into reality when his father, Cameron Clifford, decided to buy him an octopus.
The arrival of a California two-spot octopus named Terrance, albeit in a plastic bag, marked the beginning of this extraordinary pet story.
“It was kinda a wake-up call,” Cameron Clifford remarked, reflecting on the complexities of maintaining an octopus tank after facing electrical issues and leaks.
Terrance Becomes Terry
Just when Clifford thought he had everything under control with the octopus he was thrown another curve ball.
The adventure took a surprising turn when Terrance, unexpectedly, laid eggs.
“We kind of estimate there was about between 40 and 70 eggs, but every one that hatched, that I saw, I was able to catch and contain; it was exactly 50,” Clifford recounted.
Soon after, Terrance was renamed Terry, as the family had not expected the eggs to be fertilized.
Naming the Octopus Babies
As the baby octopuses hatched, each was given a unique name.
“Seayoncé was like this hippie octopus,” Cal said.
His favorites included Swim Shady and Bill Nye the Octopi, each reflecting their quirky characteristics.
A Growing Family
Managing the newborn octopuses became a challenge, as the babies began hatching rapidly.
“I had to move a lot of them into the bathroom in these small containers because they would eat each other if they were put in the same container,” Clifford explained.
The household transformed into a makeshift sanctuary dubbed ‘Clamsterdam.’
Community Help
Recognizing the unsustainable nature of their situation, the Cliffords sought help.
A local reptile enthusiast stepped in, offering to temporarily house the baby octopuses.
This gesture underscored the community’s support and fascination with this unusual pet scenario.
Expert Advice
Despite the unique joy the octopuses brought, the Cliffords advise against following in their footsteps.
“No, don’t,” Cal stated plainly, echoing experts’ recommendations about the complexities of keeping such exotic pets.
No Regrets
Cal, reflecting on the experience, wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“Nothing really,” he responded when asked if he would change anything about their adventure.
His father’s decision to get an octopus was, in his view, perfect.
A Viral Sensation
Through their TikTok account, the Cliffords have shared their journey with the world, turning their personal story into a viral sensation that highlights the joys and challenges of unconventional pet ownership.
Their story not only entertains but also educates about the fascinating world of octopuses.
To see Terry and her babies for yourself, watch the video below.
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