MOTHER OCTOPUS MAKES THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO SAVE HER BABIES

Arguably, one of the most awesome creatures on the planet is the octopus. It has the ability to regrow amputated limbs, shoot ink to stun predators and change colour to blend in with its surroundings. These animals are also very intelligent; they can jimmy locks, solve puzzles, and navigate mazes. We can now see a rarely seen aspect of octopus life thanks to a viral video that the CBC posted.

The video describes how, in her five-year life, the female giant Pacific octopus lays just one batch of eggs—roughly 80,000 of them. The mother octopus stays by their side for the six to ten months it takes for her eggs to hatch. 

During that period, she tends to her eggs, fanning them to maintain their oxygenation, bacterial-free state, and safety from potential predators. She also abstains from eating during this time, which leads to her gradual deterioration as she gives her life in order to support her children.

As the baby octopuses emerge from their eggs and their mother blows them out of the den and into open water, the video ends on a bittersweet note. A true testament to a mother's love, the mother passes away knowing that her goal has been achieved as the hatchlings set out in search of cold water currents.

During that period, she tends to her eggs, fanning them to maintain their oxygenation, bacterial-free state, and safety from potential predators. She also abstains from eating during this time, which leads to her gradual deterioration as she gives her life in order to support her children.

As the baby octopuses emerge from their eggs and their mother blows them out of the den and into open water, the video ends on a bittersweet note. A true testament to a mother's love, the mother passes away knowing that her goal has been achieved as the hatchlings set out in search of cold water currents.