The Soul of an Octopus

I have to admit - octopuses (yes that is the correct plural - the "i" at the end is a Latin plural and octopus is of Greek origin) fascinate me.  They are one of the most intelligent animals in the sea, but their intelligence evolved in a very different way than the animals we usually interact with. They are the alien intelligence we have right here on Earth.

Sy Montogmery is a naturalist who gets to know several octopuses at the new England Aquarium. Athena, Octavia, Kali and Karma each have a different "personality" or would that be pusonality?  She gets to know them on their terms and in their time.  She also befriends people that work and volunteer at the aquarium with the octopuses.  She tries to explore the question of what it might be like inside their "brains" especially considering each arm has it's own brain that is bigger than the central brain and can act on it's own - if you want a champion multitasker get an octopus.

an octopus can get through any opening bigger than it's beak!

octopuses love to play!

She learns some of their color pattern's meaning.       (if you see a living octopus that is white - it's relaxed) goes diving on an octopus study - discovering wild octopuses can be playful with humans too.

I will tell you I cried at Octavia's death.  I so want a pet octopus - even more now!