Seward, Alaska
I had the pleasure of marveling at a very active female Giant Pacific Octopus at the Alaska Sealife Center this afternoon: the fluid motion of her eight mesmerizing tentacles with their fascinating array of circular suckers diminishing in size to minute at the curling, probing tips; her rhythmic breathing as the two funnels/siphons opened and closed, waving back and forth; her enormous, shape-shifting mantle; and her mysterious, slitted eyes.
All this in a mollusk!
As she jetted across her habitat, long tentacles trailing behind, staff explained that she would be released into Resurrection Bay in a few days. Her behavior indicated that she is ready to get on with mating and raising a family.
I appreciated this opportunity to watch this incredible, intelligent being up close.
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird/Octopus Report Reporter
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