Stuck on you: caring for our giant Pacific octopus

Dive behind the scenes with our ink-redible senior aquarist René Carbajal as he cares for Chica, one of our cherished giant Pacific octopus at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Learn how he uses target training to engage with Chica and witness the unique bond they share — including their sea-cret morning salsa music routine!

00:00 Meet our giant Pacific octopus
00:40 Target training with our giant Pacific octopus
01:43 Dancing salsa with Chica the giant Pacific octopus
02:38 Feeding our giant Pacific octopus
03:40 Caring for octopus is a dream job
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[deekeller]

This man ... dances with octopuses. This is balm for my heart.

[ruthnoronha]

I love how much he loves what he is doing. That’s how it should be. Work shouldn’t feel like work.

[DigitalNeb]

This is the right person to be caring for these creatures. What a good guy. He really understands them.

[andrew]

Putting your phone on the edge of the octopus tank is a bold move. Chica’s gonna yoink the fun music square one of these days…

[trishgreen]

Thank you Rene for showing us Chica! <3

[banhatlessducks]

I like how they listen to salsa to "spice up their morning" what a cool dude.

[jmg]

I love octopuses. They're such intelligent creatures.

[xcountryrunner]

I even feel like she even understands speech cuz she literally splashed right when he was saying she does that sometimes! I feel like they are way more intelligent than we care to believe. I love that he literally has a true bond and friendship with her. The stimulation is not just for the muscles, it's for her mental well-being also.

[WanderingRoe]

That octopus really loves him, the way she embraced him after he stroked her head. It’s so precious ❤️❤️

[cassandrabuitron]

He's so sweet with her. It's like hanging out with a toddler

[charlesgraham]

i have a feeling octopus are way smarter than we know. loved the video,

[elivean]

I'm happy to see this man respecting and treating these animals for what they are: living, sentient beings.

[ScottMartin-gx]

As a diver these animals are always a treat to come across. They're my absolute favorite. Awesome creatures!

[ReillyWilde]

I’ve had the honor of seeing Chica many times over the years. She’s gorgeous-always a pleasure to see her & the other amazing animals at wonderful MBA. 💙🌊

[julieolson]

"Kids, stay in school." You're a hero! ❤

[jesschase]

It’s a literal dream to meet an octopus! Thanks for this ☺️

[martyg]

As a diver, I often interact with octopuses. I enjoy their intelligence.

[Jorquay]

I dive, and his enthusiasm, and genuine love for the animals in his care is brilliant. I wish nothing but good things for this fellow.

[rheaamaro]

You can absolutely tell he loves what he does. How lucky is he to interact with a giant octopus!

[GeorgeSmith-zevk]

I have a child with autism who LOVES sea animals…he wants to be a marine biologist..I showed him this and his face just lite up.. thank you so much for sharing