Letter to the editor, the Los Angeles Daily News, April 24, 1994:

This letter is written in response to the April 14 article that informed us of Octavia the Octopus's death.

I am absolutely enraged that such a careless accident was allowed to happen. I am no expert, but even I am aware of the octopus's agility and perseverance. That drain must have been a constant focus point for an octopus forced to live in a much too small tank, and whose full attention must have focused on getting out of that "trap."

Octopuses are very determined and intelligent creatures, and to be faced with such a desperate situation would only heighten these characteristics. Octavia felt she must escape and return to her home at any cost. She never would have given up.

An animal with that kind of drive and determination surely must be classified as a cognizant being, and as such has the same rights and freedoms to which we are all entitled...

I feel great anger and sadness at this beautiful animal's unfortunate encounter with humans. Organizations who purport to be "pro-animal" should, at the very least, live up to the responsibilities inherent in such a claim and show the respect and concern that all living beings have a right to. Institutions such as Cabrillo Marine Aquarium need to devote themselves to the study and understanding of the world which we co-occupy with so many others.

—Susan Ellas
La Crescenta

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