To celebrate Earth Day, National Geographic produced an amazing new series called “Secrets of the Octopus.” It offers an extraordinary glimpse into the world of one of the ocean’s most unique and enigmatic creatures. Narrated by Paul Rudd and produced by James Cameron, this docuseries explores the remarkable cognitive, behavioral, and physiological traits of octopuses, presenting groundbreaking discoveries that enhance our understanding of their secretive lives.
Secrets Of The Octopus
“Secrets of the Octopus” takes audiences on a deep dive into the lives of these alien-like beings, showcasing their ability to camouflage, manipulate objects, and engage in complex problem-solving tasks. With three hearts, blue blood, and a brain that wraps around their esophagus, octopuses are presented not just as creatures of the deep, but as masterful survivors whose intelligence rivals that of many terrestrial animals.
I don’t want to reveal spoilers, but one of the amazing facts shared in the series is how octopuses can alter their genetic makeup in response to environmental challenges, a trait that underscores their adaptability and evolutionary ingenuity.
A significant portion of the series is dedicated to capturing behaviors never before filmed, offering viewers an unprecedented look at how octopuses interact with their environment and other species. This includes their unique reproductive strategies, where female octopuses sacrifice their lives for the next generation, and their ability to “think” with their arms, each of which has a mind of its own.
Paul Rudd’s narration adds a layer of warmth and humanity to the series, inviting viewers to connect deeply with the narrative. His enthusiasm for the subject matter is palpable, as he expresses awe and admiration for the octopuses’ capabilities and the scientists who study them.
Dr. Alex Schnell
I had a chance to chat Dr. Alex Schnell about the series and about her love of octopuses. She is a National Geographic Explorer who has focused on the complex memory mechanisms in cephalopods: octopus, cuttlefish and squid. She also knows that when people understand nature, they become intrinsically motivated to conserve it, which is why she is driven to take part in projects like this.
I asked Dr. Schnell what first sparked her interest in octopuses. “From a very young age, I spent all my time at the beach poking around in rock pools. When I was about 5, I had my first interaction with a common Sydney octopus,” she replied. “This octopus appeared to be as curious about me as I was about it and reached out to touch my hand – it was my first ‘ET’ moment and it piqued my interest in following a career path in marine science and later comparative cognition.”
She explained that she had recently published a study on self-control in cuttlefish, where she adapted the infamous Stanford Marshmallow test to investigate whether cuttlefish could delay gratification for a better but delayed food reward. The study went viral, reaching a readership of over a billion readers in the first week and even garnered a feature on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It was the mass exposure of this research that led the production team for “Secrets of the Octopuses” to her.
Personally, I am fascinated by marine life and I have always been particularly intrigued by octopuses. I asked Dr. Schnell to share one of the most surprising behaviors she has observed in octopuses during her research. She said she is always surprised by how quickly octopuses grow to trust human divers. “Imagine being a creature with no skeleton, no shell, no teeth, and no claws to protect yourself, and despite this immense vulnerability, you let your guard down to trust an alien creature (me) that’s ten times your size!”
Octopuses are known for being exceptionally intelligent. Dr. Schnell shared evidence of their problem-solving abilities that she observed while on location for “Secrets of the Octopus.” She described the way the coconut octopus is often seen carrying around two coconut halves like a mobile home they can use for instant protection when exposed in very barren, sandy landscapes.
“I was excited to see this behavior unfold, but I got more than I bargained for,” she proclaimed. “We came across a coconut octopus that was being threatened by an angry mantis shrimp. She was trying to protect herself by putting her arms in front of her head but the punch of a mantis shrimp can cause lots of damage (it can break through aquarium glass!).”
She continued, “At this moment, I witnessed her have an idea. She scurried over to a scalloped shell, picked it up and dragged it back to her original spot. She then proceeded to use it as a shield! It was such an elegant example of a moment where she had a complex issue in front of her and came up with an innovative solution.”
Dr. Schnell has focused much of her professional life on conservation efforts. She noted how many people see octopuses as bizarre, alien creatures, but they also exhibit traits we can relate to. “Through our series, we showcase the octopuses’ vulnerability, intelligence, and capacity to feel emotion. These traits break down the barrier of ‘otherness’ and help evoke emotions of empathy and compassion. I hope viewers will be able to connect more with the octopus and grow to love them as I do—and research shows that humans want to protect what we love.”
There is still much to learn. Dr. Schnell shared that she has projects on the horizon to explore elements of memory and future planning in octopuses, as well as whether they have the capacity to experience positive emotions.
Celebrate Earth Day
“Secrets of the Octopus” also casts a spotlight on the ethical challenges of octopus research. The U.S. Animal Welfare Act does not protect octopuses, a point that the series uses to discuss broader issues of marine animal conservation and the ethical treatment of non-vertebrate intelligence.
The series is a compelling narrative that intertwines scientific inquiry with storytelling in a way that National Geographic, in particular, excels at. It illuminates the hidden lives of octopuses, encouraging viewers to ponder the complexity of these creatures and the mysterious, often unseen world they inhabit.
As a part of National Geographic’s “Secrets Of…” franchise, this series continues the tradition of immersive, thought-provoking natural history programming that is as educational as it is visually spectacular. “Secrets of the Octopus” premiers on National Geographic on Sunday, April 21. All episodes will be available to stream April 22 on Disney+.
