Might want to consider lowing your water level a little bit. If the eel is small enough to sneak through the holes he will try it, but if the water level is lower it might make it more difficult.
When I first got mine the water level was a couple inches low and I didn't think he would be able to sliver through the egg create. Next morning he was on the ground. He was dry as a bone, but I picked him up and he is still kicking. All told I think he has carpet surfed three times and made it seemingly with out energy.
Just don't pick it up with your bare hands, try to hand feed it, or pet it.
