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A sneaky octopus at the New Zealand National Aquarium successfully broke free from his enclosure and made his way back to the ocean.

Inky, one of two octopuses at the aquarium, seized an opportunity and snuck out of his case when maintenance workers left the lid slightly open, according to the New Zealand website Stuff. Inky then made his way across the floor to one of the aquarium's drain pipes, which leads to the ocean. 

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Although the drain pipe was only about 6-inches wide, Rob Yarrall from the National Aquarium explained to Stuffthat octopuses can stretch themselves and fit through very small space. 

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"He managed to make his way to one of the drain holes that go back to the ocean and off he went -- didn't even leave us a message," Yarrall told Radio New Zealand. 

Aquarium staff were able to track down the octopus' route by following his tracks left on the floor.

According to the BBC, the breakout occurred earlier this year, but it was kept quiet until news broke on Tuesday. 

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TopicsAnimals