Nat Geo’s Earth Day Special: ‘Secrets of the Octopus’

National Geographic has unveiled a groundbreaking new series, “Secrets of the Octopus,” in celebration of Earth Day. Narrated by Paul Rudd and produced by James Cameron, the series delves into the fascinating world of octopuses, offering unprecedented insights into their cognitive abilities and behaviors.

The docuseries explores the remarkable traits of octopuses, including their ability to camouflage, manipulate objects, and solve complex problems. With three hearts, blue blood, and a brain that wraps around their esophagus, octopuses are revealed as masterful survivors with intelligence that rivals many terrestrial animals.

One of the series’ most astonishing revelations is the octopus’s ability to alter its genetic makeup in response to environmental challenges, highlighting its adaptability and evolutionary ingenuity. The series also captures never-before-filmed behaviors, offering viewers a unique glimpse into how octopuses interact with their environment and other species.

Paul Rudd’s narration adds a warm and human touch to the series, inviting viewers to connect deeply with the narrative. His enthusiasm for the subject is evident as he expresses awe and admiration for the octopuses’ capabilities and the scientists who study them.

Dr. Alex Schnell, a National Geographic Explorer and octopus expert, shared her insights into the series and her love for these creatures. Dr. Schnell’s research focuses on the complex memory mechanisms in cephalopods, and she believes that understanding nature can motivate people to conserve it.

Dr. Schnell explained that her interest in octopuses was sparked at a young age when she had her first interaction with one. She recently published a study on self-control in cuttlefish, which went viral and led the production team of “Secrets of the Octopus” to her.

During her research for the series, Dr. Schnell observed the remarkable problem-solving abilities of octopuses, such as the coconut octopus using coconut halves as a mobile home for protection. She also witnessed an octopus using a scalloped shell as a shield against a threat, demonstrating its innovative problem-solving skills.

Through “Secrets of the Octopus,” Dr. Schnell hopes to showcase the vulnerability, intelligence, and emotional capacity of octopuses, encouraging viewers to connect with and protect these creatures. The series also raises ethical questions about octopus research and marine animal conservation.

“Secrets of the Octopus” is a captivating blend of scientific inquiry and storytelling, continuing National Geographic’s tradition of immersive natural history programming. The series premieres on National Geographic on Sunday, April 21, with all episodes available to stream on Disney+ on April 22.