The Shark Lab Aquarium and Research Facility in Mossel Bay will be stepping up security following a unique case of animal cruelty.
An unknown assailant mutilated much-loved Hank the Octopus, amputating three of his tentacles in an attack believed to have taken place a week ago.
According to the Shark Lab's managing director, Alan Jardine, Hank was found lying on the floor in the passage outside of his rock pool.
He told Algoa FM News that they suspect that a visitor may have used a pocket knife to cut-off Hank's tentacles.
Jardine says Hank has not eaten in several days and he fears for his survival.
"I think it's disgusting because it's animal cruelty. The fact that it happened in inside an area that is designed to conserve animals and educate the public to my mind makes it even worse," he said.
He added that Hank was very trusting of people.
"Octupus are always hiding under rocks in the ocean or in the rock pool but he actually came up and allowed himself to be touched."
