Illustration – “O” is for Octopus.

The next letter I have illustrated for the Beautiful World Alphabet is the letter O, and the reason I chose the octopus along with a story that continues to inspire me.
I fell in love, wonder, and awe with an octopus called Octomom, – unable to leave my car until the Radio Lab podcast was over. Below is a brief outline, and I highly recommend listening or reading the transcript here: https://www.happyscribe.com/public/radiolab/octomom

The strength that lies within all of us.
I believe we all have a strength within urging us to persevere, find our purpose, and embrace the fearlessness that emerges from our unwavering commitment to what truly matters.

I was riveted to the story of how Bruce Robison’s robot submarine stumbled across an octopus just settling in to lay and brood her eggs. As he went back to visit her, month after month, and what began as a simple act of motherhood became a heroic feat that has never been equaled by any known species on Earth. I was on the edge of my seat, and I cried, not out of grief but of the joy to cheer her on.

Our daily struggles can sometimes feel overwhelming, and Octomom’s determination and her unwavering focus on her eggs, even in the face of personal hardship, serves as a reminder that our true heartfelt purpose can drive us to accomplish incredible feats. Octomom’s story reminds us of the power of perseverance, the depth of own purpose, and the quiet, patient courage within.

The Deep-Sea Explorer and the Mysterious Octopus
The story begins with Bruce Robison, a deep-sea explorer, and his team from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Equipped with a remote submersible, they ventured into the abyss of the Monterey Canyon, an underwater Grand Canyon off the coast of California. At a depth of around a mile, they discovered Octomom, an octopus in the process of laying and then guarding a clutch of 160 eggs on a rocky outcrop. At this depth there is no light and she is completely alone and in the dark.

A Four-Year Vigil
For over four years, (no one expected this!) Octomom remained stationary, refusing to leave her eggs unattended. During this time, she never left her post, not even for nourishment as her condition deteriorated. She exhibited a remarkable ability to ward off predators, even as her physical strength waned (with each visit, I cheered and the suspense grew.)

The Mysteries of Octomom’s Journey
Throughout this extraordinary journey, scientists and observers were left wondering about the underlying mechanisms that enabled Octomom to sustain herself for such an extended period without food. Evolutionary neuroscientist Yan Wong offered insights into the unique ways in which an octopus’s brain operates during moments of intense focus and purpose. She compared the various parts of the octopus’s nervous system to sections of an orchestra, with certain components taking center stage while others receded.

Octomom’s Achievement
As the years passed, Octomom’s condition became increasingly critical. Her resilience and tenacity were evident, but her physical state began to deteriorate. Finally, after over four years of guarding her eggs, Octomom’s journey reached its poignant conclusion. The team’s last visit revealed that the eggs had hatched, and tiny octopus hatchlings were crawling around the rocks. Octomom herself was nowhere to be seen, suggesting that she had likely completed her mission and the inevitable end of her journey. Octopus can choose the exact time they fertilize their eggs, and what conditions work for them individually. The females also know this will be their last and greatest feat. Once a female has received the sperm packets from a male, she stores them within her mantle. When the time is right, she lays her eggs and fertilizes them using the stored sperm.

Inspiration from Octomom
As we navigate our own challenges and uncertainties, we can draw inspiration from Octomom’s story. Her journey teaches us that dedication to our purpose can lead us to achieve remarkable goals, even when the path ahead seems daunting. Octomom’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the strength that lies within all of us, urging us to persevere, find our purpose, and embrace the solutions and goals that emerge from our unwavering commitment to what truly matters.

If you have further interest in this amazing animal, I recommend the book:
The Soul of an Octopus – A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness
by Sy Montgomery. — Sy was also involved in the story of Octomom, and has furthered her research with many octopus, and has her own tales to tell full of wonder for us all.

Thank you!