BC Aquarium names giant Pacific octopus after Dr. Bonnie Henry

In a giant act of appreciation, a BC Aquarium has named a giant Pacific octopus after Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea says that naming a new animal is usually “not so straightforward.” The centre typically uses themes, ballots, and community votes, making for a several-week process before a winner is announced.

In this case, however, the decision was simple — recognizing Henry’s extraordinary work during the pandemic.

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“The team knew recognizing the incredible grace, kindness, intelligence, compassion, dedication, and calm demeanour Dr. Bonnie Henry has shown the province during the pandemic was a given,” reads a statement from the Aquarium.

The centre adds that octopuses have three hearts, “a symbol that has come to reflect gratitude for Henry, healthcare, and frontline workers.”

The centre runs a program that involves releasing their “octopus ambassador” after six months of engaging visitors. The name had also been decided even before the octopus arrived at the aquarium.

A photo of a giant octopus at the Salish Sea Centre. (Salish Sea Centre)

“While we were not sure what the sex of our new octopus would be, we were certain of the name — Bonnie for a female and Henry if it was a male,” says Lead Aquarist Amanda LeSergent.

Henry the Giant Octopus was welcomed last Thursday and is said to be “settling in well to his new temporary home.