Krystal Janicki, affectionately known as the ‘octopus whisperer’ in her Vancouver Island community, has garnered attention for her extraordinary connections with these fascinating creatures. A commercial and residential painter by profession, Janicki has been diving for nine years and has dedicated the past seven years to forging bonds with the local cephalopods.
Janicki’s unique ability to interact with octopuses has now been showcased in a captivating National Geographic series titled ‘Secrets of the Octopus’, produced by James Cameron and narrated by Paul Rudd. The series delves into the world of various octopus species across multiple countries, airing in Canada on Nat Geo TV and Disney+.
For the Giant Pacific Octopus segment, Janicki was chosen to be the human subject. She had initially been approached to assist in locating octopuses for filming, but her reputation for exceptional encounters had preceded her, leading to her inclusion in the story.
Filming commenced two years ago, with Janicki collaborating with underwater cinematographer Maxwel Hohn. Hohn, an Emmy award winner from Comox Valley, had previously worked with Janicki but acknowledged the challenges of capturing footage of these shy and elusive creatures that blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Despite the initial difficulties, the duo persevered and were rewarded when a curious octopus emerged from its den. Hohn described the encounter as if the octopus had chosen to interact with them, greeting them upon each return to its den and even leading them on a tour of the reef.
Janicki expressed her delight at being a part of the series and emphasized her passion for educating people about the incredible nature of octopuses. She hopes that her experiences will inspire greater appreciation and respect for these enigmatic creatures and the marine environment as a whole.
