Inky is back in the ocean and the world couldn't be more delighted.

The stealthy octopus escaped from his tank during the night at the New Zealand National Aquarium earlier this year after maintenance workers left the lid on his tank slightly open, before making his way to a drainage pipe that leads to the ocean.

 

 Aquarium manager Rob Yarrell told the Guardian that Inky, who is about the size of a rugby ball, "had always been a bit of a surprise octopus."

"Octopuses are famous escape artists but Inky really tested the waters here. I don’t think he was unhappy with us, or lonely, as octopi are solitary creatures. But he is such a curious boy, he would want to know what’s happening on the outside. That’s just his personality."

"You never know, there’s always a chance Inky could come home to us," Mr Yarrell said.

The reaction to Inky's great escape has been joyous to say the least.

Via Radio NZ/Image via National Aquarium of New Zealand /The Guardian