The owner of a fish market purchased a 70-pound octopus from a fisherman in Morro Bay, California for the sole purpose of freeing the eight-armed cephalopod back into the ocean. Giovanni DeGarimore, the owner of Giovanni’s Fish Market has recently stopped selling octopus products after vacationing in Fiji and meeting an octopus while diving. The two played “hide and seek” for at least 15 minutes, firmly convincing DeGarimore how intelligent the sea creatures are.
Less than two-weeks ago, DeGarimore ‘s dock manager told him about the capture of the octopus. Although the fish store owner had made a promise to himself he didn’t want to support those who captured the mysterious creatures, he certainly didn’t want the octopus he soon named Fred to be chopped up into sushi. And so DeGarimore decided saving Fred’s life was worth more than standing on his principles.
Fred was purchased for a $200 and spent a few days in the fish market resting before being freed.
In a statement to The Tribune, Gio said, “It might not change the world, but I’m going to do one thing and if it only makes me and Fred happy that’s ok too.”
Researchers have long contended that octopuses have different personalities, and they have garnered a huge amount of their intelligence living in complex coral reefs, evading predators and surviving in the perilous world of the sea without any armor to protect themselves.
Pretty awesome don’t you think? Live long and free Fred. Watch those nets and be careful.
Check out an octopus escaping from a boat (not Fred)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlEpN320eTU
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good for Giovanni, we need more people like him. enjoy your freedom, Fred.
Long and happy life to you both.
God bless you, Giovanni and Fred! May both of your lives be filled with happiness and love! I am sure you will both meet again in the special place you have earned in heaven!
Thanks for releasing him. He belongs in the ocean and not on HUMANS plates. Looks much better in the sea.
Fred belongs in his ocean home!
Thank u 4 setting him free!! Ur 2 kool Giovanni!! It makes me so happy 2 that u set Freddy free..!! Swim Freddy swim!! Swim an b free 4ever!!!
Thank you for setting Fred free!