Stuck on you: caring for our giant Pacific octopus

[@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...

[@john-brady]

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Steevee14]

How far did the octopus have to travel from its tank to reach the ocean?​@@TheDennie75

[@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.

[@DigitalNeb]

This is the right person to be caring for these creatures. What a good guy. He really understands them.

[@banhatlessducks]

I like how they listen to salsa to "spice up their morning" what a cool dude.

[@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

[@charlesgraham9954]

i have a feeling octopus are way smarter than we know. loved the video,

[@NaviWolf9]

They are! We def shouldn't be eating them

[@Durka-Durka]

​@@NaviWolf9 Cows are so nice and gentle, too. 😟

[@trishgreen2892]

Thank you Rene for showing us Chica!

[@WanderingRoe]

That octopus really loves him, the way she embraced him after he stroked her head. It’s so precious ❤️❤️

[@elivean]

I'm happy to see this man respecting and treating these animals for what they are: living, sentient beings.

[@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.

[@apexnext]

Yeah there is definitely *not* a cut at that part of the video. Like Dukkha just said I believe she knew in her way! By having a bond with Rene.

[@LuxStrangelove]

They're just as smart as dogs, if not more, so she probably did understand him.

[@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

[@ScottMartin-g8x]

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.

[@ScottMartin-g8x]

@user-mi5tu2rq6r Many. I've been fortunate enough to dive the S.Pacific and Indo. They are curious about us as we are of them. They play hide and seek amongst the reefs. Change colors to blend into their surroundings. Very intelligent animals. Many different species with many different personalities and characteristics.

[@Jorquay]

I dive, and his enthusiasm, and genuine love for the animals in his care is brilliant. I wish nothing but good things for this fellow.

[@dnavas1202]

Such a good example of the difference between a marine biologist as a keeper vs on the field. He gets to learn the individual personalities, he gets to develop trust and bonds, he gets to try things that may not be scientifically proven but he “feels” would improve conditions for the animal and stimulate them like music or hugs or cuddles. Really cool dude and many more of them out there.

[@jesschase1690]

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

[@Horseluvver]

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😂😂😂😂😂

[@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.

[@USoligarchy]

They only live a few years.

[@nickkorkodylas5005]

She single?

[@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.

[@anatman6304]

There is no greater thing than to have the trust and love of an animal. You are so very, very fortunate.

[@julieolson1402]

"Kids, stay in school." You're a hero! ❤

[@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 !

[@rheaamaro9932]

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

[@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. 🤍

[@tigerlaf6534]

He's so gentle and caring with this animal! I can feel she likes him and is truly happy.

[@DarkRendition]

She's so sweet! I'm happy she gets daily interaction. An animal that intelligent needs stimulation.

[@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❤!

[@USoligarchy]

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

[@ekspatriat]

And very tasty.

[@USoligarchy]

@@ekspatriat don’t cut yourself on that edge. Doosh

[@DosDonts101]

and intelligent

[@KacieRiley]

We need more Rene and Chica!

[@Lulph]

Preferably as a dynamic, crime-solving duo!

[@marciarodriguez2831]

100 percent

[@krashd]

@@Lulph Who report to an angry hermit crab chief who is always busting their balls for not doing things by the book.

[@HankHopeless]

Back when I was a large kiddo i've played with quite a lotta octopuses, all of them smaller than my hand, at the Northsea aquarium in Esbjerg, Denmark. I can't compare the feeling of having an octopus on Your arm to anything else. It's so unique

[@janiceconnett3192]

She not only knows what you are feeling, she knows what you are SAYING. They are so intelligent. Talk to her like you would a child of your own. Tell her you LOVE her. She is so beautiful! You are so lucky!

[@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!

[@Kcali111]

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

[@allysongregory1288]

I love this guy, what a wonderful human being

[@nannynan5893]

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

[@rodsloane706]

She's just beautiful, & seemingly very intelligent too.

[@josephroiml]

The dream of every man, I know.

[@jeremybutler2578]

Octopuses are extremely intelligent. It's obvious she loves her human friend. She knows you. She doesnt need to relate sound of music to know who you are. As much as you are checking her health shes likely checking your health as well. These amazing creatures are some of the most caring. They will develop a relationship with you more powerful than you would imagine. Much respect to this guy for taking the time to actually interact with her. I know she appreciates it.

[@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

[@kc4699]

@@EdwardMichael3 ikr? gamechanger

[@apexnext]

She at very least knows his taste. She knows he's the salsa dancing food friend. It seems to me she recognizes him, in her way! ❤🐙

[@etherdeef4303]

I agree robert, animals are fantastic but are ultimately aliens to us, we cant ever pretend to know what they're thinking

[@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

[@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?

[@KissmygritsTrump]

@@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

[@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.

[@annanardo2358]

The Octopus is such a loveable creature !!!!!!!!😍😍😍😍😍

[@brucefelter1335]

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

[@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. ❤

[@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 🐙 😊 ❤

[@darksoals]

What an honor, that animal loves and trusts you so much.

[@jthoen61]

She's beautiful. I love the octopus. It's great to see how you two interact.

[@LaughterandJesus]

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

[@JeannetteReed]

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

[@circuitsalsa]

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!

[@bubbleteaicetea]

It was wonderful thank you very much rené and Chica !

[@CA-lf7jt]

I always wished they lived longer. Such incredible beings

[@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

[@feralhomunculus]

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

[@hetgirladjacent]

I love that they salsa together - adorable!

[@ashleynadine717]

I love everything about this man. “It starts my day spicy” so cute

[@elvenkind6072]

This is going straight into my "Cute stuff, Animals ETC" playlist that is normally reserved for babies, kittens and puppies.

[@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. !!!

[@ggboot1]

She's beautiful. I love her!

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@Jagm177-w6o]

What an amazing creature, real treasure of this planet!

[@michaelhall8586]

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

[@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'.

[@JMarieCAlove]

And won’t let you go. 😁

[@TheGrayton2000]

@@JMarieCAlovehi there

[@SarahAParis]

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

[@aquamelina]

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

[@BlackMytilus]

So lovely to see the friendship between a human and an octopus. Amazing!

[@SeverusSnape12345]

This is absolutely wonderful! And such a beautiful octopus. She definitely has a great and strong bond with you. :D

[@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.

[@Brendissimo1]

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

[@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.

[@DarthTwilight]

I love these wiggly, squiggly friends.

[@lornarettig3215]

I loved this video. What a delightful interaction, and a charming man.

[@E.o.t.4637]

Incredibly smart creatures for sure. Mesmerizing too.

[@gsmith9531]

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

[@safiremorningstar]

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

[@voz805]

She's lucky to have such a loving keeper.

[@alexanderellsworth5682]

I wish everyone enjoyed doing they're worth the way that you enjoy it! And he interacts with that octopus just like a friend

[@valerieb5086]

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

[@lindasimons691]

I love octopuses. Such cool animals. Thanks for sharing.

[@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! 💜💜💜

[@jazzorphin]

An amazing creature with nine brains, the main one in the head and the other eight ones in each arm, working independently - a wonder of nature!

[@snowbird9748]

Was für ein Team , Chica und ihr Pfleger Renè . Die beiden sind großartig . Octopusse sind so intelligent , da kommt mancher Mensch nicht mit . Ich liebe diese sanften , neugierigen und spielerischen Wesen . ❤🐙

[@glendagai]

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

[@Bernie3000]

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

[@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!

[@VicSzap]

He is in love with that octopus it’s crazy he really cares for it

[@andudontstopyo]

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

[@aaniuxx]

I love seeing people treating animals just the way he treats chica. What a good man ❤️ he loves his animals. May he be blessed and stay around those animals a long looong time

[@charlescabana7849]

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

[@Nunwannabe1234]

I love Octopus since I watched ’My Octopus Teacher', blew my mind I will never see Octopus the same again ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pairofcrows9954]

Awesome! Such magnificant creatures! It's easy to tell how much Rene loves his job and these animals.

[@carolcook8521]

Love love love Monterey Bay!!! 😊😊😊😊😊

[@LordPaulusCobris]

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

[@arliafrink3043]

This was so lovely! Thank you for sharing this!

[@rebeccablackwell1288]

It is so obvious that this man has a Great Passion for the animals 🙏😊😻... His love for animals is amazing. The bonus is he gets paid for it 😮😂🎉!! Adorable interaction with the sweet octopus 🐙.❤

[@dawnebenton3667]

Rene you deserve to be working your dream job❤. You can see the kindness and love you have for all creatures. Thank you for sharing . Really fasinating.

[@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.

[@paintedpony2935]

You don't hug the octopus, the octopus hugs you.

[@lorriewilber8534]

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

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thank you for sharing, Rene! God bless beautiful Chica! 😊

[@chasmenear7130]

A completely cool job! I genuinely find myself happy for this guy! Having a bond like that is a unique wonderful experience!

[@scottn322]

Hideous. I absolutely love her!

[@lauravs9754]

Excellent! Thank you for making this video!