Octopus Reacts to Telephone - Episode 12

This series has not only become a favourite of ours, but our 8 armed residents absolutely love to explore new objects as well. We've gotten hundreds of submissions from our viewers and intend to keep the series running until we get to each and every one of your fantastic ideas.
In the 12th episode of Octopus Reacts, we placed an old style telephone in the experiment tank. Will Michael explore every nook and cranny, or will he simply pick up the receiver and phone home?

[@Cheetahprint85]

*Phone rings* Octopus: *picks up* “We’ve been trying to reach you to extend your cars warranty.” Octopus: *hangs up*

[@justpassingthru3186]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@DaffneyDalilah]

The call was coming from..... INSIDE the tank!!!

[@earthlingjohn]

😂 😂 😂

[@jcondron7789]

🤣🤣🤣

[@johndifrancisco3642]

RINGO!

[@Kzie100]

😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@ct.widget2847]

"Hello? I'd like to order an extra large pizza with triple anchovies?"

[@pl5bnsf]

I'd still love to see a behind the scenes series. Who are you? Where do the octopus live when not on camera? What is the setup for Octolab?

[@JamieSuzanne.]

"I just called to say - I love you" 💓 I love you, Octolab Octopus!

[@NewMessage]

Bet he could operate the heck out of a switchboard, though.

[@sarosch]

It’s always like watching a dance, a crazy beautiful ballet and an explosion of his arms like streamers in all directions! I think he enjoys seeing these things, as he would in the ocean, but he is equally cautious until he realizes it won’t hurt him and he can sit on it! Briefly. Cos who wants to sit ON a telephone?!

[@kerryrwalton7791]

The octopus seems to be playing a game of camouflage and shape shifting. He gets very dark and at times tinged with black. He also hides behind the phone seemingly trying to imitate its shape.

[@angeliner59]

He loved it! Didn't feel threatened by it at all. For a moment I thought he was considering it big enough to hide behind it. And I loved it towards the end he just spread himself out all over it. 😀

[@BornAgainFarmGirl]

Half expected it to pick up the receiver but I couldn’t figure out where it’s ear would be .

[@rhondahuggins9542]

😅Just another arm, I suspect.

[@rhondahuggins9542]

"One ringy-dingy...two ringy-dingies..." Are any of you old enough to know where that comes from?😁 I think the octo's arms might fight over which gets to dial!💙💙

[@marthawelch4289]

@@rhondahuggins9542 Ah, Laugh-In's Ernestine the Telephone Lady as played by Lily Tomlin. And, yes, I was watching the original show on a black and white TV with NO remote control on NBC, one of the 3 channels available back in the Pleistocene era.

[@katemaxwell2804]

Rhonda Huggins....I confess...I'm a nurse and I still say "one ringy dingy...two ring dingy" if the phone rings. Younger nurses think I'm crazy. And I too saw the original. Laugh in was a great sjow

[@marthawelch4289]

@@katemaxwell2804 Kathy, thank you for being a nurse especially during this pandemic. PLEASE stay safe!

[@sukie584]

Even the octopus gets entangled in the telephone cord!

[@dianironfeather7785]

His/her (?) exploration was so delicate, he didn't even remove the receiver. I always wonder if they they look forward to new objects every day. It would be a way to keep them interested in their surroundings, and healthier in captivity. I love watching them.

[@Leanne_Carter]

Probably. He has his own home tank but what you saw in this video is an experiment tank. He probably knows there are some objects in there when he is moved from his home to this tank every day.

[@dennisgaunt9089]

Hey, a lot of people haven't seen a landline before.

[@lesliesylvan]

Dennis. True enough. Octo is only used to push buttons~

[@tenchraven]

Landline? Some of us remember rotary phones and long distance being a big deal. Might even have phone phreaked, theoretically speaking. Most kids have no idea what that means.

[@Betsy-R]

I was thinking same thing!

[@fairlyvague82]

My Mum with every new phone she gets 😑

[@themadgod1830]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@annpoland3330]

3.56 Michael "My phone now"

[@jeffbelfort7598]

😂😂😂

[@christopherdiedrich40]

C'mon ring, you!! I know she's gonna call... Any second now!

[@nachannachle2706]

Why "she"? >__

[@christopherdiedrich40]

@@nachannachle2706 lol the short & simple answer is, "Why not?" or "because she's beautiful!"

[@lilitharam44]

Aww, so cute! I love to see them exploring something new, those eyes!

[@SandDancing]

I'm surprised he didn't react more strongly to the receiver when it moved. He was so gentle in all his exploration. Lovely and fascinating to watch, as always.

[@doro8856]

SandDancing: That's what I thought too. He clearly saw the receiver move, and I expected him to come back and pick the darned thing up! The gentleness was really impressive, wasn't it? A very humbling video, I found.

[@lesliesylvan]

yep. Not so curious, today.

[@cynthiafisher3392]

I was sad that he didn’t figure out the moving piece.

[@homogenouscountry597]

Octophone

[@jesse7603]

I think they're more used to something more advanced like the iPhone 12. He was just trying to see how he could fengshui the phone in his tank as a decorative piece.

[@justinem.brydia3677]

My goodness Michael...what long arms you have!! 😆

[@Kell_M]

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS CREATURE.. He allows us to think we are studying him, but all this time, he has been studying us..

[@Lilstinker63]

I have a sugestion since this is the Christmas Season I would like to see an Octopuses reaction to Elf On a Shelf

[@sherievaughn6475]

If he picked up the receiver would he hear the ocean?

[@earthlingjohn]

Wanted so much to see the octopus start dialing 888-8888 😜

[@mookyo9602]

There is nothing about an octopus I don't find fascinating! The way they test out the new things in their tank is amazing! And when they are comfortable they blanket it with their whole body. Very cool octopus you got there!💜💜💜🐙✌

[@weltensegLA]

I like your channel but the actual tests and challenges are so much more interesting than the videos with random object in the tank. Just as some constructive feedback.

[@lukasd.4389]

I agree, but those things need to be build and the octopus needs to be entertained in the mean time

[@weltensegLA]

@@lukasd.4389 hahaha I see

[@MelindaBane]

What we all need is seeing an octopus react to driving his/her own tank around.

[@LittleKitty22]

When they learn to drive - that's when they take over the world...

[@lindaway5889]

That was adorable!

[@earthcat]

Octopus (at the end): "Maybe it's a chair...?"

[@aidanmcferris9348]

*Octopus picks up the receiver and immediately begins placing a call* Researchers are horrified! There is a mad scramble and one of them stops the recording. "What should I do with it?!?!" he asks his fellow researcher. "Put it in the vault and lock it up with the one of him building a nuclear device...the world can NEVER see this." *We can hear the octopuses evil laughter*

[@randomvielleuse527]

The daffodil yellow coloration around Michael's eyes and in his body was really interesting...

[@earthcat]

That's his name? I like it.

[@teresafarley3838]

All I could see in my head was the Sesame Street Martians when the phone rang! Bbrrrriiiinnngggg! Brrrrrriiinngggg! Yep yep yep! 🤣

[@johncameron4194]

Could you show us where they live before they get to test everything out?

[@gojiberry7201]

3:17 Great scene!

[@pyewackett5]

I think there should be some plants in the tank 🌿

[@positivelypenny1392]

He seems to understand the old type of phone as much as my grandchildren did.

[@FlamingoPublications]

Great music loved how he explored it. I remember dial phones. Next video should be a touch button phone. Then maybe a flip phone followed by a smart phone. I really love these type of exploration videos.

[@katherineg9396]

You gave him a DIAL telephone? Well, he'll probably figure it out before most post 1990 humans.

[@arnoldstrickland2814]

They are so incredible

[@rodrocket8216]

Best yet.

[@juanzulu1318]

Let it ring! Sounds under water might enrich the challenge for the creature

[@marymaryquitecontrary]

Was Michael giving us the finger (um, tentacle) toward the end? After playing peekaboo and before he was either hangin' out or checking it for food value. Loved the strolling music, it matched his attitude perfectly. 👍👍

[@marounazou8198]

Michael phone home...Be good...

[@cubytischer]

What make the Octopus when the Bell ringing ? 😂😂

[@dianalovescolors]

Also 3:56 .... "I'm expecting a call"

[@maranscandy9350]

You forgot to write a phone number on the tank for a local sushi bar that delivers.

[@existentialerasure]

Octopus evaluating the phone. "Base 10 rotary? Are you freaking kidding me? Hello! Hexadecimal! When you have more that four limbs! And who are you kidding with that hand set? Higher being my ass!"

[@justpassingthru3186]

I really expected him to pick it up and dial 867-5309😂

[@techguy2683]

Can you put an octopus in a water tight hamster ball? Would it be able to roll around?

[@lesliesylvan]

Calling the Octorator . . . Extension Eight, Eight, Eight, paaleeese!

[@TimeTheory2099]

If the phone was wired up to be active, your channel would have gotten a more Lively reaction from the '110 volt. Ring battery'.

[@dalemcnamee2427]

I got a laugh out of Michael "hiding" behind the phone while 3 of his arms can be seen and was amazed when he came from behind the phone ! I am subscribed and look forward to each new video ( old or new ) 👍👍

[@9452gailhamm]

How long was it in the tank with the phone? They are my favorite creature on the planet... So elegant, graceful, inquisitive, intelligent, and amazing... Thank you for sharing them with all of us... 🥰🥰🥰

[@Tortinatorx]

This is the most „KZbin at 3am“ title I’ve ever seen

[@owlsrawesome]

You should try training him do wave one of his arms on command! Tuna fish have been trained, so I'm sure an octopus could learn some cool tricks!

[@staceygarrett4998]

I have a suggestion for a quandary you jump in the tank after you have been teasing them .

[@zenlizard1850]

I know a lot of people who are as phone-shy as that octopus was at first.

[@janetholmes9413]

This sounds terrible. But, I began to appreciate these creatures so much I haven't been able to eat octopus in years.

[@elliot_rat]

you're all laughing but my mans just trying to do his taxes

[@johndifrancisco3642]

I just hope that Octolab gutted that phone and other things they throw into it's "garden". I say this because of leaching chemicals. I once found a beautiful rock (Schist) and didn't even think twice about putting a rock in my fresh water fish tank. It killed most of the fish.

[@northstarsmith6798]

Does Michael have the strength in his tentacles to actually turn that dial?

[@frankcastle13]

Hey, love watching these videos. Would it be possible and more important safe for the octopus to test with one of those toy fish play toys for children. Ment for using in the bathtub?

[@EmperorZelos]

He was just pissed no one called.

[@melissasalasblair5273]

Excellent task lol 🧐🤔📱📞☎ 1:39-2:21 2:39 🖼

[@conureron3792]

Wonder if you show the octopus a video of a human using the phone, if it would mimic?

[@LindaLuxable]

Hey, this is a nice chair!

[@A_Slayer_Named_Buffy]

I don’t think you properly challenged this fellow. Put in a classic dial phone. He obviously realized this was a fake “classic” with the push button numbers. 😆

[@lesliesylvan]

Have it set up to ring, next time!

[@LittleKitty22]

He seems to know how to use a telephone, he just wasn't sure how to pick the receiver up. Could you show him how to do that? I wonder what he will do then...

[@johncameron4194]

Hello? Phone home.

[@sueg2658]

ET Phone Home ...

[@AGDinCA]

OCTOLAB - there was an episode with two octopuses separated by a plexiglass pane. It appeared that the male octopus attempted to impregnate the female. Did the female actually become pregnant?

[@owencampbell4947]

You could aswell given him $10 to go shopping....

[@koriw1701]

He/She looked frightened of it! It kept as far from it as possible, and reacted strongly when the receiver moved by zooming to the other side of the tank. Q: I'd like to know why you don't show a clock PiP to display time elapsed. I think the amateur scientists in us (certainly in ME) would like to have been able to know HOW long, in this particular instance, the octo was away from the phone while it observed it and how long it took to go back to it each time it ran away from it; especially when it jostled the receiver and zipped away in what could only be interpreted as a fear response. Q: Why didn't you show us the end of the experiment? The fact that the octo sat on top of it could not have been the end since we did not get to see its discovery of all the moving parts.

[@julissy9689]

They always say they'll call......

[@PheonixArizen]

how about a TV showing various sea life, and ending with videos of the Blue Ring Octopus and Blue Sea Slug .... how will he react ?

[@miketeabag6501]

3:58 Hommage to Dali

[@Liz_678]

Smart dude💕😂

[@keatonblackman472]

Now That's What I Call A Shell-A-Phone

[@orange_lime]

It feels like he's dancing and the telephone is his female partner. Or he's drunk and is fighting the urge to call his ex 😅

[@sherriviz1055]

I want you to know they because of this channel the octopus has. Is become my favorite animal. Next to the seal elephant in 3rd place

[@JDragon272]

Hello... Wazzuuuup!!!

[@KateKarate]

What's his number? 🐙😍

[@ditto7380]

See how it reacts to an abacus

[@unrellated]

I got one. Octopus reacts to cartoon.

[@christina1wilson]

Hello, 1-888 ###-crab I'd like an order of live crabs to go.

[@zarkmellers8976]

Whose music?

[@veneraberrens1719]

CAN YOU TEACH THEM WORD BUTTONS LIKE THEY ARE DOING WITH DOGS TO SEE IF THEY CAN UNDERSTAND WRITTEN SYMBOLIC LANGUAGE AND THEN ASK THEM QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR PERCEPTION OF THE WORLD THEY FIND THEMSELVES IN

[@helgafalckenberg6635]

Who called him?

[@KrisRaistlin]

o boże jakie to jest tragiczne

[@great-grandmakirk8828]

What is the purpose of this, did you expect her to pick up the phone or make a call🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@liyantop]

I don't know if it was a serious or rethorical question, but I think it's both for fun and also study purposes. The fun part being is to watch a wild life creature interacting with a human made object (in a safe and secure habitat for the octopus). Study purposes: to see how an octopus adapts to its changing environment. No assumptions before hand (My guess), just an experiment where all sorts of things could happen! Also fun to see! :)

[@sharleneiddings5499]

How would she to bright colored walls an idems in there

[@Rebecker]

What number can Michael be reached at? I would like to call him and tell him that he is the best Octopus boy. Please share his contact details!

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

Undoubtedly just about the most interesting species on earth & exceptionally smart. BUT also at the top of list for “ugly”. Not trying to be mean as I am fascinated by them & they are amazing. Just keep them away from me 😳

[@MP-wt9kz]

smart? he could not even dial and pick up the phone

[@patty7791]

Catherine Breitfeller I was actually shocked when I read your comments! I think they are as cute as koala bears! Cuter, because of their intelligence... I think I’m in love with “the eye” contemplating the scenario! 🤪