Stuck on you: caring for our giant Pacific octopus

Dive behind the scenes with our ink-redible senior aquarist René Carbajal as he cares for Chica, one of our cherished giant Pacific octopus at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Learn how he uses target training to engage with Chica and witness the unique bond they share - including their sea-cret morning salsa music routine!
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[@ruthnoronha8206]

I love how much he loves what he is doing. That’s how it should be. Work shouldn’t feel like work.

[@leonaheraty3760]

I agree! 😊

[@nannynan5893]

That heart is magnificent. This person will make better every thing he touches, a gift to all who will be fortunate enough to know him

[@shawnasabino7958]

Very nice

[@chad5893]

Came here to say the exact same thing. Its clear he loves the animals and what he does.

[@deadwingdomain]

Yes. You should care enough to feel responsible an want to be there. But everyone thinks you should be a millionaire.

[@deekeller9562]

This man ... dances with octopuses. This is balm for my heart.

[@nannynan5893]

I will guess that the sound of purring or a wagging tail make you happier than a pair of new shoes. My kind of person! 😁

[@LaraDiana163]

Veramente fantastica persona

[@StephenDoty84]

Dances with Octopuses. That's the sequel for Kevin Costner...

[@ydarbnhoj]

Oh yeah, totally…

[@insanity4224]

And the only reason you know he is a man is because they included the pronouns at the beginning, or we wouldn’t have guessed.

[@bs1820]

One of the coolest creatures to ever exist. Simply amazing.

[@rheaamaro9932]

You can absolutely tell he loves what he does. How lucky is he to interact with a giant octopus!

[@jmg999]

I love octopuses. They're such intelligent creatures.

[@TheDennie75]

They are very intelligent. One escaped from a tank and made it's way back to the ocean.

[@meaarsenault1]

I was about to comment the same. I also would never eat them.

[@squidgewinkle]

It's a shame to have such an intelligent creature in captivity...

[@sanfranman4919]

How does one aquire an octopus? I've never seen them for sale in any aquatic shop I've been in.

[@frebo8921]

J'espère bien que ça n'arrivera jamais 😮​@@sanfranman4919

[@andrew24601]

Putting your phone on the edge of the octopus tank is a bold move. Chica’s gonna yoink the fun music square one of these days…

[@geenajean]

I let out a little gasp when he sat the phone down because that's exactly what I thought!

[@Oldass_Deadass_dumbass_channel]

So god damnadorable

[@stewiepid4385]

Chica would get his phone and open an Only Octopus's account.

[@ale7564]

She would hold the phone in front of his face, unlock it and start ordering bath toys off Amazon. Perhaps she wants bath crayons to write messages to people like, “Who needs opposable thumbs when you’ve got 500 suckers!” “I’d rather be 500 little suckers than 1 big sucker!” “My colorist is free. Your roots are showing.” “You can’t find your way out of a paper bag, while I can get out of a closed jar …. from the inside. Superior species my foot, errr 500 suckers.” “Yes, I can leave my tank, unlock the door and return to the ocean. I’m just here for the food.” “Jason’s missing employee key card is hidden on the bottom of my tank.” “Octopus hugs are 400% better than human hugs.” I’m not sure why I think she’s got a cheeky sense of humor. Charlotte’s web is so last century. Chica’s Crayon could be a book.

[@Dani-ICU-RN]

They should get a cheap phone with a camera or put it in waterproof thing and let her have it that would be hilarious😂 if of course if it wouldn't hurt her or whatever

[@TJ-fg3vs]

Octopi are beautiful, misunderstood creatures. They are intelligent, inquisitive, and do NOT belong on a menu.

[@beffis1980]

Have to signed the petition to stop them in Spain from opening up the first octopus farm for human consumption? Google it friend

[@Hallonyancat]

I agree

[@reformed7939]

I think most female octopuses would disagree with you

[@Hallonyancat]

@@reformed7939 Ah those ones that take the whole coconut shell and go through the courts to make the octopi suffer

[@darkmattergamesofficial]

Cows, pigs, and chickens are all of those things too, and can be great pets. But no one cares out them. Hypocrisy!

[@EyeSeeThruYou]

She's very beautiful, gentle, and carefully intentional in her interactions. I hope to, one day, experience such an interaction with a curious cephalopod 🐙 😊 ❤

[@jesschase1690]

It’s a literal dream to meet an octopus! Thanks for this ☺️

[@user1.8.2.]

There are 2 really good books 'the soul of an octopus' & one i can't remember the name of but they're WONDERFUL books. I love them too!

[@annanardo2358]

I agree. I'm a scuba diver and never had that privelage !! Chica is so sociable. 🤗🤗 😍😍😍. I'm octopus deprived. 😫😫

[@Grabowsky75]

Nope, it’s the precise opposite. It’s a dream metaphorically speaking.

[@rachelw1076]

​@@Grabowsky75Pedant has entered the chat.

[@KadeBenji]

Lol😂😂😂😂😂

[@trishgreen2892]

Thank you Rene for showing us Chica!

[@RobertPiro]

I like how careful he is around anthropomorphization. He says he presumed that she recognized him and that she seems to enjoy the interaction. Indeed we don't know whether octopi even have such a sense of familiarity as they are not social animals and we don't know how she experiences her environment - considering that her eyes may not work out of the water as they work under water. So well done René

[@AustinFitch-tx5kd]

very important not to anthropomorphize... not

[@EdwardMichael3]

Looks like someone needs to watch the documentary My Octopus Teacher

[@allysongregory1288]

I love this guy, what a wonderful human being

[@nannynan5893]

Oh the lucky woman to have a man with that soul!

[@xcountryrunner9]

I even feel like she even understands speech cuz she literally splashed right when he was saying she does that sometimes! I feel like they are way more intelligent than we care to believe. I love that he literally has a true bond and friendship with her. The stimulation is not just for the muscles, it's for her mental well-being also.

[@philmccracken2012]

They edited the video to the part where the octopus squirted the water. as in he said that about the octopus spraying water and then the people cut to the scene where it actually did that.

[@aylahughes9185]

@@philmccracken2012 there is clearly no cut. u smooth?

[@Dukkha-Bhavana]

Maybe speech. I think more likely a combination of speech with the effect of speech & THOUGHT on man's nervous system. When he thought of being squirted in the past, his body reacted. Not telepathy, but extreme sensitivity & memory of subtle changes.

[@cassandrabuitron427]

He's so sweet with her. It's like hanging out with a toddler

[@NoName-ds5uq]

I’m sure Chica feels the same way! 😉

[@dakillah6018]

@@NoName-ds5uq 💖💖

[@Sweetlyfe]

They’re actually smarter than toddlers.

[@Gala-yp8nx]

Octopi are far smarter than toddlers. It’s probably like hanging out with a 7 year old.

[@UniDeathRaven]

yaya, oversized toddler , this brodudeocto acts liek he is bout to speak with you through mind

[@SarahAParis]

She's giving you a hug!🥰I love Octopuses.🐙

[@risaandjesus]

Adorable friendship. This man bought out a beautiful side of this octopus. God bless him.

[@user-ut3qf6uq1o]

As a diver these animals are always a treat to come across. They're my absolute favorite. Awesome creatures!

[@punawelewele]

And they're delicious.

[@omnirath]

As an octopus I often come across divers, I won’t say that I enjoy their intelligence but I find them funny

[@iamjimb]

I read that as driver at first, I thought "where on earth are you driving?"

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

@@punawelewele You must really be starved for attention.

[@user-mi5tu2rq6r]

Have you got any stories of seeing them?

[@tea98988]

I’ve stopped eating octopuses for quite a while now. They are beautiful and amazing creatures.

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

I hope you continue your journey by not eating other animals as well! Every creature is amazing in it’s own way and an individual “person.” They, just like us, want to live out their natural lives in peace, not being harmed.

[@anti-ethniccleansing465]

Please stop eating ALL animals!

[@Kris_AB]

I imagine the documentary "My Octopus Teacher" changed a LOT of people's eating habits where octopus are concerned. There was a report outta the UK a year or two back that listed octopus, squid, crabs, and lobsters as sentient. I haven't seen any follow-up to that or the details of the study or how they came to that conclusion, though.

[@dandonnelly6498]

The same with me!

[@platedlizard]

Same. I also won't eat cuttlefish. Fortunately squid are pretty dumb

[@robins.9700]

I love how this guys passion for what he does is so evident. And it was cool to see interaction with an octupus! They're amazing!

[@andudontstopyo]

I am a animal lover and Chica is so cool. Aww, thank you so much for sharing.❣

[@martyg374]

As a diver, I often interact with octopuses. I enjoy their intelligence.

[@rickmaldoo4205]

I believe it's octopusespie

[@wikkano]

the generally accepted English plural is octopuses whilst a more formal plural used by some achedemics is the Greek origional plural "octopodes" however this is rare octopie is a mistake and not commonly used@@rickmaldoo4205

[@crowbar9566]

@@rickmaldoo4205 umm, octopi actually

[@justsomeofmyfavs]

​@@crowbar9566That is due to false folk etymology, the correct form is octopuses. The -us here is not the Latin ending for male nominative case of a noun, but a part of "pus", the Latinized form of the Greek word for "foot" (octo-pus = "eight-feet").

[@drb5538]

As the word is greek rooted the correct plurals are octopuses or octopodes.

[@ReillyWilde]

I’ve had the honor of seeing Chica many times over the years. She’s gorgeous-always a pleasure to see her & the other amazing animals at wonderful MBA. 💙🌊

[@CharGC123]

Amazing alien intelligence right here on earth!

[@leonaheraty3760]

How cool! 😊

[@akademikz23]

They live 3 to 5 years. So unfortunately if it's been years like you said she's probably dead by now.

[@bs1820]

They only live a few years.

[@nickkorkodylas5005]

She single?

[@sarahlamas9238]

This made my heart sooo happy. I wish more humans were like this man:) Chica is beautiful😊 love seeing their sweet connection

[@Kristenxo]

He is so wonderful with her..warms my heart seeing the love they have for each other..

[@HappyNarrative]

THIS WAS SO CUTE! 💕 She loves him! And of course she can sense the salsa music! Energy, frequency, and vibration are the base languages of the animal kingdom. 🤍

[@bumpedhishead636]

I, for one, welcome our new Overlords & Masters, the Cephalopods!

[@Racistobama]

*(nervous D&D noises)*

[@realhorrorshow8547]

As alien invaders go, we could do a lot worse. We stop messing up the oceans. They teach us about sashimi.

[@weaksause6878]

Dr Zoidberg

[@thia41012]

​@@realhorrorshow8547You realize your plan is contingent on humans being smart enough to not destroy everything they touch, yes?

[@MoosefromCanada]

@@tonym2513we are still low rent pieces of shit,…look what is happening…it’s not evolution. Treating the planet and each other like a toilet

[@LunarX100]

One day I need to hug a big octopus...... It is lovely to see people having wonderful vocations like this. Thank you and all of your team for backing the correct team.

[@Keepler22b]

ultra cool:) having a swing with a octopus- Octopuses are like from another world. Nothing is alike on earth.

[@KacieRiley]

We need more Rene and Chica!

[@Lulph]

Preferably as a dynamic, crime-solving duo!

[@marciarodriguez2831]

100 percent

[@colorbugoriginals4457]

This person does his job with such love 😮❤

[@LordPaulusCobris]

Octupusses are just so smart! They are trully intelligent creatures. I do like them a lot!

[@GeorgeSmith-ze5vk]

I have a child with autism who LOVES sea animals…he wants to be a marine biologist..I showed him this and his face just lite up.. thank you so much for sharing

[@robertal8500]

i hope your son realizes his dream and becomes a marine biologist...

[@AneurisRivas]

Everything in life is possible, I hope your child accomplishes his dream. God bless.

[@GeorgeSmith-ze5vk]

@@robertal8500 we do too.. we sport him in every way..

[@redcandi01]

❤😢😊🧜🏾‍♀️

[@goldeneagle99]

Mine too! He is 8 !

[@Kcali111]

Dream Job ❤🐙✌️ Octopus are one of my favorite animals. This was everything.

[@mayonnaiseeee]

Chica is so intelligent, thank you for sharing this with us

[@lauradill1447]

love this kind hearted guy... so tender with the ocopus... wonderful!!

[@khills]

Aaah, it’s like home. I had the pleasure of growing up with Monterey Bay Aquarium as my “local” aquarium, and I didn’t realize how spoiled I was until I moved away. ❤

[@GordonjSmith1]

Magical to watch. So happy that you have the job you wanted and love. Also delighted to see the wonderful relationship you have with the Octopus - how great is that for you both!

[@fabienneroure9995]

It was ❤absolutely amazing to watch such a beautiful interaction❤!

[@kubel83]

I was always afraid of octopuses because they remind of spiders in a way. But after this video I have my doubts. They are incredible creatures. Intelligent and curious. The connection between the handler and the octopus is unreal. You have my biggest respect sir. She definitely loves the interaction between you two❤

[@loomspace]

Spiders are also incredible creatures, I hope you give them a chance as well

[@michaelflores3767]

It's like a little salsa dancing with an octupus. Very cool.

[@OceanSwimmer]

Rene, Thank you for introducing us to Chica. It is very clear you have a deep understanding of the physical and simpatico needs of Chica. She loves interacting with you! Adding music to your interaction with Chica is pure genius. Bravo! Mucho gusto!

[@suzieb8366]

Creatures we share the planet with are just amazing, thank you for caring about the creatures in your care.

[@IntuitiveInterpretations]

Best man for the job! What a lovely soul they both have!

[@brucefelter1335]

Fantastic and Amazing video! Thank you and best of luck on your continuing research!

[@JeannetteReed]

What a sweet animal buddy!! No fuzziness but still, lots of warmth. ❤

[@glendagai]

This is the most precious interaction. What a wonderful responsibility and privilege for you to care for these creatures!

[@bevyking6570]

This is so unbelievably cool. I want a hug from that octopus. Give her a hug from me❤

[@Brendissimo1]

Dancing the afternoon away with an octopus - what could be better?

[@23_Beans]

Octopuses are highly intelligent and sentient. What an amazing job being able to spend time with these fantastic animals!

[@lulumoon6942]

Thank you for loving on Chica, there are such special beings! 🐙🙏🕊️

[@angelgarcia1025]

This is soooo awesome to watch. I truly believe the interaction is understood by the octopus and she is attempting to communicate in the manner she can......by touch.❤❤❤😊

[@NickMacKenzie]

René is such a joy to listen to as he introduces us to Chica! If you're considering making more of these videos, please do!

[@artemis009]

I visited here in 2022 and I have a minute long video of the octopus moving from one side of the tank to the other. I was so fascinated by this beautiful creature. I went back to see her 3 times while I was there. So awesome to see her again

[@NotUnymous]

Garlic and olive oil are the natural enemy of any octopus 🐙 That beeing said, those creatures are phenomenal! Very smart, can possibly communicate through colors, can possibly recognize you. Way above most of the animal kingdom and a treasure for sure. Thanks for your work

[@Sarah-ic4yu]

Omg I need more of Chica and René, they are both amazing and so fun to watch!

[@michaelhall8586]

I love octopi. They look like they give good hugs!

[@Appophust]

Octopuses. Octopi would be plural if the word "octopus" were originally Roman. However, it's originally Greek, so the plural is technically "octopodes." But in all reality it's a word of modern English usage, so the correct plural of octopus is technically "octopuses."

[@ttyngordon]

They do, just don't panic or try to tear them off of you.

[@Steevee14]

They also give great suck!

[@kennethmartin1300]

@@AppophustYeah, I finally got that question solved on 'Answers with Joe'.

[@HappyGirl92593]

And won’t let you go. 😁

[@ggboot1]

She's beautiful. I love her!

[@lb8141]

How beautiful ❤️ I needed to see this wonderful experience today. Thank you ❤

I love octopuses since I saw my Octopus Teacher on Netflix. I had no idea how amazing they are. All animals are amazing- better parents than ppl too. ❤

[@WobblesandBean]

What I wouldn't give to work here. I've studied biology and marine zoology for ages, I work as a zoologist but I'd give anything for the opportunity to work at Monterey!

[@bluwasabi7635]

Have you been there? They have a very cool shorebird exhibit that's quite unique.

[@safiremorningstar]

That octopus obviously loves that human just too much to let go. Wow he’s so big I mean the octopus, of course.

[@KatherineUribe-1]

Octopus are amazing creatures! They're highly intelligent, are creative problem solvers, are adaptable and are emotional. I have seen many times, in different species of octopus , how much they appreciate interaction with humans. They can be playful and absolutely can identify individual humans. The octopus is an endlessly fascinating creature!🐙

[@lindsay33333]

They are so smart!! And very neat to observe.

[@charlescabana7849]

Thank you. At least everybody has realized how intelligent they are.

[@shaddonon]

Lovely video :) Surprised Chica’s tank has an open top! Would love another vid where Renee illuminates the octopus “escape artist” trope (sharing escape stories, or security countermeasures, or reasons why she stays in her tank). Chica *looks* pretty docile… but late at night, when the security guards aren’t looking, I could see her snake out of the water to turn on the salsa! 💃🏽

[@gregorystthomas8390]

I took a behind the scenes tour there a while back and was told they were found to be escaping at night. Artificial turf was installed outside the tank so the octopi couldn’t grip the floor and escape.

[@sikay6340]

Wow she’s beautiful. What a fabulous interaction to be able to watch.

[@Quest4us]

What an incredibly beautiful and intelligent creature. We need to protect our precious oceans so that all of its creatures can survive and teach us about their habitat.

[@carolcook8521]

Love love love Monterey Bay!!! 😊😊😊😊😊

[@bigtvjunky9119]

Fascinated and a tiny bit creeped out at the same time.

[@Elizabeth-qe6lk]

Just beautiful. She loves you Rene. You found your passion

[@samblasco2359]

What a beautiful and lovely octopus, so gentle and majestic

[@nyxqd1290]

I’m a Los Angeles native who has many happy memories of visiting you guys growing up, including your giant pacific octopuses. I’m living all the way across the country now and haven’t been back to the Bay Area in a few years, so to have this randomly come up in my recommended was a very welcome and happy surprise. Chica is gorgeous and René is a joy to listen to. Keep being awesome guys, you made this homesick Californian’s day. :)

[@E.o.t.4637]

Incredibly smart creatures for sure. Mesmerizing too.

[@amandacogger3075]

I loved seeing how much he enjoys his job and the passion he has for it. And the octopuses is amazing

[@leolattanzi1226]

Highly intelligent , 100% she recognizes him very cool 👍

[@smoothblink]

Omg I love Chica and René :D

[@macrichardson7904]

OMG I have so much joy inside from watching this. Octopus are my all time most favorite animal on the planet. Watching her interact with you BECAUSE SHE WANTS TO, is just beyond amazing. Thank you for sharing this, it made my day. I love that you love what you do. !!!

[@BobG127]

Octopi are so intelligent... I wish that I had chosen to study and work in marine biology so as to get to know and learn from these amazing creatures. To think that they figure everything out on their own because their mothers pass away before they can teach their children is mind boggling. Simply amazing.

[@furball192]

Rene has a great attitude, i enjoy watching him with the animals.

[@aquamelina]

This is so beautiful and meaningful! Thank you for sharing something so special between you and Chica! 🤟🐙😃

[@gsmith9531]

How much we don't know/understand about this amazing creatures..... wonderful field trip - thank you!

[@lisakent5962]

We are so blessed to live in a world with such a diversity of life. She is wonderful. What a amazing animal!

[@sandybroderick2932]

I love how much you love and respect this beauty!!!! Thanks for the video!!!

[@llchapman1234]

Chica is gorgeous 😍

[@valerieb5086]

Thank you for allowing us to meet and share a fascinating visit with Chica!

[@rover5788]

Octopus are super intelligent! Magnificent species! 🙂

[@nancymiller3448]

Thank you for sharing this amazing video. Octopi are so smart, but I didn’t realize just how friendly and interactive they can be! She obviously was enjoying playing with you! 🥰

[@samanthavonteese333]

René is such a captivating speaker! I loved hearing how he cares for Chica and about his love for marine biology. Chica is a cheeky and beautiful individual 🥰 Thank you for sharing her with us! 💜💜💜

[@eligebrown8998]

The maintenance to keep that place going must be crazy

[@lorriewilber8534]

I love your message to the kids and the friendship you have with the octopus

[@attitudeproblem6462]

OMG...She's _so_ beautiful! Such smart, wonderful creatures!♥♥♥

[@deborahferguson1163]

Very cool!!! I think it would be amazing to touch and be touched by an octopus!!! Thank you !

[@alexw.7097]

As someone who works with dogs and is a lover of all animals in general- the fact that she has a Kong makes me so ridiculously happy 😅❤

[@moder_nord2475]

Just gotta love him and his tentacled friend!! Both so sweet! 😊😊❤️

[@merrykaczmarek3757]

That was a beautiful way to end my day, thank you so much. What a delight to watch you caring for our local treasure. 😮👍🏾❤️❌⭕️❌⭕️good night🐙

[@xcountryrunner9]

He seems like such a kind, loving, and gentle soul 😊 love to see the innocence and beautiful bond with such an animal

[@cintulator2]

Tiny girl-Cthulhu

[@BeyondLumen]

He's so chill down to earth awesome seeing this and the interaction with chica

[@RealMNeutral31]

I remember going to this aquarium when I was 9 years old. I'm 43 now. A long time ago. It is still the best aquarium that I have ever been to in my life.

[@Bernie3000]

This man has genuine compassion and love for Chica! Made me happy for both of them!

[@TheFartofGod]

I love that he plays music when hanging out with her, I wonder if she can tell when she makes him happy. Such a cool animal.

[@revendax2584]

I think they can tell. I know that other octopus caretakers have mentioned how they squirt you with water to be funny. Also that they noted that if you didnt appear to enjoy being squirted with water the octopus would never try squirting you again. This implies they know when we are happy and is explicitly trying to get to get that reaction from us which is cool.

[@karmaalstad5588]

Half on topic, I sing to my cat. Solo likes the cheerful shop music tune in New Moon than the ending prom music in Twilight. 💙🪬🧿 🖖✌️🫶