By AHMED ABDELLA //
While the world’s most bustling metropolis is just miles away, Long Island is surrounded by an even more active and interesting underwater ecosystem.
Unfortunately, many of the species living in that environment are at risk. But social media is lending a hand in protecting one of the ocean’s most fascinating residents: octopuses.
Octopuses are known for their intelligence and their Houdini-style escape artistry, including their ability to change color. My passion for these incredible animals began when I was young and locked eyes with one, who was clearly unhappy about living in a large public aquarium.
This experience led me on a unique journey, one that today involves rescuing octopuses, caring for them in my Long Island home and sharing their stories with a global audience on my social media feeds. With social media, I’m connected each day with an enormous community of everyday people who are just as eager to protect and understand these creatures as I am.
Rescuing an octopus is no small feat. These animals require a specific environment to thrive: a tank all to themselves, carefully maintained saltwater and a diet that mimics their natural hunting habits. It demands time, knowledge and resources.
Ahmed Abdella: Octo-dad.
But seeing these creatures flourish is an unmatched thrill. Each octopus I’ve cared for shows a unique personality, from their playful interactions with me to their distinctive communications skills. They are beings with preferences, likes/dislikes and observable emotions.
This journey began during COVID, when we all turned to Facebook and Instagram to reconnect with the outside world. Following my passion would not have been possible without social media. By posting content on Facebook, I’ve been able to share the intricate lives of octopuses with millions of people.
And it turned out to be more than just posting pictures and videos – I was able to build a community committed to marine life conservation.
The engagement from people all over the world has been amazing. They actively participate in discussions, share their own experiences and spread the message of protecting wildlife. This is a community that advocates for the protection of marine habitats and the species that live there.
I’m fortunate that income from targeted advertising on digital platforms provides a means to support my rescue efforts. The reality is, rescuing and caring for these animals is costly. From the specialized equipment to the continuous need for live food, every rescue is a financial commitment.
Tanks a lot: Pet octopuses require a very specific environment to survive.
The revenue support from being a Facebook Creator has been instrumental in sustaining my work. It’s a beautiful example of how technology and collective interest and engagement can lead to positive outcomes for our planet’s most vulnerable inhabitants.
It’s important to note that keeping an octopus as a pet is not for everyone. It requires not just a financial investment but emotional and time commitments that many may not be prepared for – and the impulse to own one of these creatures after seeing them online can lead to unfortunate outcomes if proper care isn’t taken.
That’s why part of my mission is to educate potential octopus owners on the realities of their care, encouraging responsible pet ownership and, when possible, advocating for their enjoyment in the wild rather than in home aquariums.
The connection between humans and octopuses is a reminder of how following your curiosity can open up a whole new world. It’s a relationship that has taught me more about the ocean and its inhabitants, and about myself.
As we continue to navigate the challenges facing our oceans, it’s clear that every effort counts. Whether it’s rescuing an octopus or simply educating yourself and others about marine conservation, we all have a role to play – and access to digital platforms can allow these passions to flourish.
Together, through the power of our online and in-person communities and a shared curiosity, we can make a difference for octopuses and the countless other marine species that depend on a protected ocean for survival.
Ahmad Abdella is a Coram-based octopus conservationist and digital creator, known as The Reef Doc and the Octopus Whisperer. Find him on Instagram (@the_reef_doc) and Facebook (The Reef Doc).
