Nested in the corner of her tank was Newport Aquarium’s very own Great Pacific octopus. She has taken to her new home quite well after traveling from the vastness of the deep Pacific Ocean to the enclosure at the Kentucky aquarium. 

She changed color as the water moved around her, seemingly unaware of the greatness of her presence. 

Little kids gathered around her tank, though to the octopus it seemed to be her kingdom. Parents peered over their kids’ shoulders, just as amazed by her presence as their youngsters. 

Unbothered by the crowd gathering around her, she swayed with the water, bubbles floating up her tentacles and seaweed getting intertwined with each leg. 

Despite being one of the most intelligent animals in the world, it is hard to process that this animal is thinking about her lunch or the annoying crabs scampering around the floor of her enclosure, while we watch her in amazement.

How I wish that this creature knew how she brightened my day by just being there.

Have a Bright Spot to share? Send it to Managing Editor Julia Lerner (lernerj@denison.edu). Tell us about the moment that made you smile in under 200 words, and try to include a photograph. We’ll add it to our growing list of Bright Spots on TheReportingProject.org!