A few years ago, while vacationing on the Red Sea, one family came across the unexpected opportunity to save a life.
The family was walking along the beach near the Soma Bay resort where they were staying. Along their journey, they came across a dying octopus that had become stranded on the shore. In the video description, YouTube user Helena wrote:
“We spent our Holidays at the Red Sea. While walking along a lonely beach we saw a stranded octopus in the sand.”
As you can imagine, the family was saddened by the sight of the dying creature and immediately wanted to help. So, they nudged it back into the ocean.
“We were not sure if he is already dead,” she wrote.
“We pushed him back into the water. He needed some minutes to recover, then he swam away.”
The family applauded themselves for helping the animal but didn’t think any more of the whole event. The next day, however, while they were exploring the same beach, something incredible happened.
While they were walking along the shore, they noticed a dark shadow in the water approaching them.
As the creature eventually got closer, they realized it was the same octopus they had saved the day before. This in itself would be quite the coincidence, but it looks like the creature may have been seeking them out.
The rescued octopus seemed to recognize the family that helped it. The animal accompanied them for a long while and repeatedly touched their feet.
In the video, Helena wrote:
“He stayed with us for about one hour and wanted to touch us all the time.”
“We continued walking along the beach and he followed us.”
The family is certain the octopus was thanking them for saving its life.
Now, there may be a few skeptics out there— but, interestingly enough, the theory is possible. According to the Library of Congress, the octopus has a very strong sense of vision and has been known to recognize faces in both laboratory and ocean settings. In fact, they explain, “When a scientist has changed his clothing or altered his appearance in some fashion, the octopus is still able to recognize the individual. … Yes, the octopus can really get to know you.”
Since being uploaded to YouTube, Helena’s video has been viewed a staggering 4.4 million times.
People are amazed by the rare show of affection from such a relatively mysterious creature. Comments on the video read:
“Octopus are brilliant and extremely smart animals. They have memory, they see and learn things to do. I do eat fish, but I don’t eat octopus either, these guys have won my respect.”
“These are incredibly smart creatures. Not only did he know you saved him, but he recognized your faces the next day. Came dangerously close to being washed on shore again, just to say thanks.”
“Octopuses are very smart creatures, they have proven their intelligence repeatedly, too bad humans are ages away from understanding all the beautiful creatures we share the planet with.”
Watch the mesmerizing moment below!
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