Most children dream of having a furry friend to cuddle—a dog, a cat, maybe even a rabbit. But nine-year-old Cal Clifford from Edmond, Oklahoma, had a very different request. For years, he pleaded with his parents for an octopus, a highly intelligent but notoriously difficult pet to care for. After years of delaying his request with plush toys and marine-themed gifts, his parents finally gave in and brought home Terrance, a small but curious octopus.
What started as a unique and exciting birthday surprise quickly spiraled into an overwhelming and chaotic ordeal that no one could have predicted.
Meet Terrance: The Octopus That Changed Everything
At first, everything seemed perfect. Terrance was a fascinating pet, mesmerizing the family with its ability to camouflage, squeeze into tiny spaces, and interact in ways they had never seen before. The family enjoyed watching their unusual pet explore its new tank, demonstrating the remarkable intelligence that octopuses are known for.
However, the peaceful aquatic setup didn’t last long. The first major shock came when the family discovered that Terrance was not a “he” at all—but a “she.” And with that realization came an even bigger surprise: Terrance had laid 50 eggs.
A House Overrun with Baby Octopuses
Unlike puppies or kittens, baby octopuses are not exactly easy to rehome. The Clifford family soon found themselves in an impossible situation. Caring for the eggs required extreme dedication, specialized tank conditions, and a significant financial investment. Each baby octopus needed its own safe environment, leading the family to scramble for extra aquariums.
Video : Father and son go viral after their pet octopus gives birth to 50 babies
As their house transformed into a makeshift marine sanctuary, the problems began piling up. Maintaining multiple tanks meant dealing with constant water spills, electricity hazards, and skyrocketing maintenance costs. Their once peaceful home was now a battleground of stress, exhaustion, and mounting expenses.
A Growing Financial and Emotional Burden
Cameron Clifford, Cal’s father, later shared his experience in an interview with USA Today:
“It’s a lot of work. A lot of work, emotion, money, and time. Every scientist I speak to is astonished by the fact that we were able to get such a high yield in a kid’s bathroom.”
Raising even one octopus as a pet is a daunting challenge. They require precise water conditions, specific diets, and near-constant attention. But raising 50? That was a recipe for disaster.
Despite their best efforts, the Clifford family faced overwhelming difficulties. Aquariums overflowed, causing water damage to their home. Electrical hazards became a constant concern. The financial strain grew unbearable as they poured more money into sustaining their unintended marine nursery.
Cameron later admitted in frustration:
“Do not get a pet octopus unless you’re ready to lose sleep and your kids’ college fund simultaneously.”
A Goodbye to Terrance – But Not to the Chaos
Unfortunately, nature took its course, and Terrance passed away in April 2024. Female octopuses typically die after laying their eggs, a well-documented phenomenon in marine biology. However, her legacy lived on in the form of dozens of baby octopuses that still needed care.
Instead of taking this as a sign to end their octopus adventure, the Cliffords decided to continue raising some of Terrance’s offspring. Their TikTok account, originally created to document Terrance’s life, became a viral sensation as they shared updates on their ongoing journey with these tiny sea creatures.
Lessons Learned from This Wild Experience
While the Clifford family’s story is certainly entertaining, it also serves as a powerful lesson in responsible pet ownership. Here are some key takeaways:
1. Some Pets Are Best Left in the Ocean
Octopuses are incredibly intelligent but require an immense amount of care. They are escape artists, need highly controlled environments, and have short lifespans. Unlike dogs or cats, they do not form bonds in the same way, making them a challenging choice for a family pet.
2. Know What You’re Getting Into
Exotic pets often come with unexpected complications. In the Cliffords’ case, what seemed like a unique pet choice quickly turned into an overwhelming responsibility. Before adopting any animal, thorough research is essential to understand the commitment required.
3. Nature Will Always Follow Its Course
Terrance’s instinct to reproduce led to a situation the family never could have anticipated. Understanding the natural behaviors and life cycles of exotic pets is crucial before bringing them into your home.
Video : YOU SHOULD NEVER EAT A LIVE OCTOPUS
Would You Ever Own an Octopus?
The Clifford family’s story is both hilarious and cautionary. While it makes for a great conversation piece, it also raises important questions about ethical and responsible pet ownership.
Would you ever consider keeping an octopus as a pet? Have you ever had an unusual pet experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
And remember—just because a pet is fascinating doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your home. Sometimes, it’s best to admire nature from a safe distance.
