An octopus has nine brains. An octopus has three hearts. An octopus has both short and long term memory. An octopus can solve unique puzzles using contemplative thought. An octopus receives no parental instruction or help, with the exception of the physical site (chosen by its mother) in which it is born. A Giant Pacific Octopus lives only three to five years, and dies shortly after laying their eggs in the most advantageous location for their future offspring.

This we know.

What I want to know is, in a town with so many compassionate and thoughtful citizens, why there has not been more outcry about the Marine Science Center’s continued captive octopus exhibit. It is inappropriate and immoral.

I suspect our silence stems from the fact that the octopuses are released at the end of their lives so they can breed and lay their eggs. Breed and lay their eggs in a completely new environment they have never seen. Never explored. Never contemplated. Yet they must choose a site giving their offspring the best chance of survival.

Maybe it doesn’t matter. But maybe it does.

In these times of making conscious choices about how we live in this world, we can make a difference in these unique individual’s lives.

Dean Massey
SEQUIM