Latest news with #Roney
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘Curious' octopus takes diver's camera and films ‘one-of-a-kind view' in Canada
Plunging into the chilly waters off the western coast of Canada, a pair of scuba divers swam along the seafloor near an octopus. The 'curious' animal eventually approached them and briefly took one of their cameras, filming an 'incredible, one-of-a-kind view' in the process. John Roney and Chris Mullen, underwater videographers and longtime dive buddies, decided to go scuba diving off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island on Aug. 5, Roney told McClatchy News via email on Aug. 12. Early on, they 'spotted this giant pacific octopus, about three metres (about 10 feet) arm to arm, resting under a ledge,' Roney said. 'At first it kept to itself, but as we passed by again on our way back to shore, it began walking alongside us before reaching out an arm toward my camera. Then it lunged and wrapped its arms around (the camera), so I just let go and allowed it to take over.' 'I had left the camera running, and as (the octopus) engulfed it and explored it with its suckers, it gave us this incredible, one-of-a-kind view from inside its arms,' Roney said. Nearby, Mullen recorded the interaction. Video footage shows the giant Pacific octopus grabbing the camera and its reddish body covering more and more of the contraption. In the clips filmed by the animal, its suckers are clearly visible, moving around near the lens. 'Octopuses use their suckers to both taste and gather information about their surroundings, so every movement was part of it investigating this strange new object,' Roney said. The octopus kept the camera for about five minutes before turning it off and letting go of it, Roney said. The pair started to leave, but the octopus 'had other plans,' Roney said. 'It drifted toward Chris, reached for his camera, and then wrapped a few arms around him. Octopus hug! At one point, an arm was exploring Chris's mask as he looked over at me with this perfect expression of surprise and awe.' Giant Pacific octopuses are 'such curious, intelligent animals, and each one has its own personality,' Roney said. 'Moments like these are why we dive,' Roney told McClatchy News. 'It was thrilling in the moment, and as soon as we broke the surface my main thought was, 'I cannot wait to get back in the water.'' Vancouver Island is off the western coast of Canada and near the border with the United States.
Vancouver Sun
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Giant Pacific octopus shoots video of itself after claiming camera from B.C. divers
When it comes to cinematography, a giant Pacific octopus that borrowed a camera from two divers earns a solid '10 out of 10.' Underwater videographer John Roney said he and his longtime diving buddy Chris Mullen went out on Aug. 5 to Nanoose Bay on the east side of Vancouver Island, a renowned spot for large octopus. Roney said they came across several, but one 'particularly large' octopus _ as large as three metres wide, arm to arm _ caught their attention. It was resting under a ledge, but immediately showed interest in them after they passed by, he said. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'It sort of approached us directly, hopped, and explored my camera, and then I just let go of my camera and I let it have it for a couple of minutes,' said Roney. The resulting video was a mesmerizing display of the creature's pink underbelly, its sucker-covered arms fanned out like an umbrella over the camera. 'It was carrying the camera around for a little bit, aiming it at a wall and stuff. It was doing some filming on its own,' laughed Roney, 'It was even kind enough to use its suckers to turn it off after (the camera) was running for about three minutes.' Roney, a Vancouver Island-based underwater videographer who has been working as a documentary filmmaker for many years, said the animal's camera work was excellent. 'Ten out of 10 underwater videographer for the octopus,' Roney said 'Honestly, the best footage of inside an octopus' web I've seen an octopus take.' 'Better than me by far,' Mullen quipped. Roney later posted the video online, giving the octopus a credit. The footage has received thousands of likes and comments. After the animal was done with the camera, it jumped onto Mullen with its arms around him and suckers on his mask. Roney said he was able to capture the 'hug.' Rather than being aggressive, the octopus appeared curious, using its suckers to explore its environment, Roney said. 'And so you could see it was holding on to him, but it wasn't grabbing him,' said Roney, 'Chris looked like he was having a good time.' 'It was a very gentle hug,' recalled Mullen about the close encounter, 'This is what I was hoping for, this was what I wanted.' Roney said he has done about 1,500 dives over the years, but has only had two close interactions with an octopus. Giant Pacific octopuses are fascinating, interactive animals, and every single time he encounters one, he can't get enough of them, Roney said. Victoria-born marine biologist Jennifer Mather has watched the video, and said the octopus wasn't deliberately taking a selfie even though its work was beautiful. Mather, an octopus expert with the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, said when an octopus finds something interesting and potentially edible, it will pick it up and put it underneath the arm web, which is exactly what we see in the video. 'And the person who had the camera, of course, got pictures because the camera was still running. But it doesn't have anything to do with the octopus taking selfies. Sorry,' said Mather. Mather said the animals are very smart in other ways, likening their personalities to cats. In most situations, when they see divers who crowd around them, they'll sneak away or hide, but an underwater camera with shiny, fresh lights could be quite interesting to them, making them wonder what they can do with it. 'Because octopuses do play — not social play, but object play,' said Mather. Roney said the community response to the video has been incredible. 'You really see that people are fascinated by these animals because they're so intelligent and they're so curious, and they're also so otherworldly, right. They're so different from anything that you'd see on land,' he said. 'And it makes me happy to see people seeing our local marine life here.'
Toronto Sun
09-08-2025
- Science
- Toronto Sun
Giant Pacific octopus shoots video of itself after claiming camera from B.C. divers
Published Aug 09, 2025 • 3 minute read An experienced Vancouver diver and schoolteacher Andrea Humphreys described her recent, epic interaction with a giant octopus in the Campbell River area in an October 2022 handout photo. Humphreys said she has been diving for 12 years and this was the first time an octopus came over to her and gave her a hug. Photo by Andrea Humphreys / The Canadian Press When it comes to cinematography, a giant Pacific octopus that borrowed a camera from two divers earns a solid '10 out of 10.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Underwater videographer John Roney said he and his longtime diving buddy Chris Mullen went out on Aug. 5 to Nanoose Bay on the east side of Vancouver Island, a renowned spot for large octopus. Roney said they came across several, but one 'particularly large' octopus _ as large as three metres wide, arm to arm _ caught their attention. It was resting under a ledge, but immediately showed interest in them after they passed by, he said. 'It sort of approached us directly, hopped, and explored my camera, and then I just let go of my camera and I let it have it for a couple of minutes,' said Roney. The resulting video was a mesmerizing display of the creature's pink underbelly, its sucker-covered arms fanned out like an umbrella over the camera. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It was carrying the camera around for a little bit, aiming it at a wall and stuff. It was doing some filming on its own,' laughed Roney, 'It was even kind enough to use its suckers to turn it off after (the camera) was running for about three minutes.' Roney, a Vancouver Island-based underwater videographer who has been working as a documentary filmmaker for many years, said the animal's camera work was excellent. 'Ten out of 10 underwater videographer for the octopus,' Roney said 'Honestly, the best footage of inside an octopus' web I've seen an octopus take.' 'Better than me by far,' Mullen quipped. Roney later posted the video online, giving the octopus a credit. The footage has received thousands of likes and comments. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After the animal was done with the camera, it jumped onto Mullen with its arms around him and suckers on his mask. Roney said he was able to capture the 'hug.' Rather than being aggressive, the octopus appeared curious, using its suckers to explore its environment, Roney said. 'And so you could see it was holding on to him, but it wasn't grabbing him,' said Roney, 'Chris looked like he was having a good time.' 'It was a very gentle hug,' recalled Mullen about the close encounter, 'This is what I was hoping for, this was what I wanted.' Roney said he has done about 1,500 dives over the years, but has only had two close interactions with an octopus. Giant Pacific octopuses are fascinating, interactive animals, and every single time he encounters one, he can't get enough of them, Roney said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Victoria-born marine biologist Jennifer Mather has watched the video, and said the octopus wasn't deliberately taking a selfie even though its work was beautiful. Mather, an octopus expert with the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, said when an octopus finds something interesting and potentially edible, it will pick it up and put it underneath the arm web, which is exactly what we see in the video. 'And the person who had the camera, of course, got pictures because the camera was still running. But it doesn't have anything to do with the octopus taking selfies. Sorry,' said Mather. Mather said the animals are very smart in other ways, likening their personalities to cats. In most situations, when they see divers who crowd around them, they'll sneak away or hide, but an underwater camera with shiny, fresh lights could be quite interesting to them, making them wonder what they can do with it. 'Because octopuses do play — not social play, but object play,' said Mather. Roney said the community response to the video has been incredible. 'You really see that people are fascinated by these animals because they're so intelligent and they're so curious, and they're also so otherworldly, right. They're so different from anything that you'd see on land,' he said. 'And it makes me happy to see people seeing our local marine life here.' Toronto Blue Jays Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Editorials Toronto & GTA
Winnipeg Free Press
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Giant Pacific octopus shoots video of itself after claiming camera from B.C. divers
When it comes to cinematography, a giant Pacific octopus that borrowed a camera from two divers earns a solid '10 out of 10.' Underwater videographer John Roney said he and his longtime diving buddy Chris Mullen went out on Aug. 5 to Nanoose Bay on the east side of Vancouver Island, a renowned spot for large octopus. Roney said they came across several, but one 'particularly large' octopus — as large as three metres wide, arm to arm — caught their attention. It was resting under a ledge, but immediately showed interest in them after they passed by, he said. 'It sort of approached us directly, hopped, and explored my camera, and then I just let go of my camera and I let it have it for a couple of minutes,' said Roney. The resulting video was a mesmerizing display of the creature's pink underbelly, its sucker-covered arms fanned out like an umbrella over the camera. 'It was carrying the camera around for a little bit, aiming it at a wall and stuff. It was doing some filming on its own,' laughed Roney, 'It was even kind enough to use its suckers to turn it off after (the camera) was running for about three minutes.' Roney, a Vancouver Island-based underwater videographer who has been working as a documentary filmmaker for many years, said the animal's camera work was excellent. 'Ten out of 10 underwater videographer for the octopus,' Roney said 'Honestly, the best footage of inside an octopus' web I've seen an octopus take.' 'Better than me by far,' Mullen quipped. Roney later posted the video online, giving the octopus a credit. The footage has received thousands of likes and comments. After the animal was done with the camera, it jumped onto Mullen with its arms around him and suckers on his mask. Roney said he was able to capture the 'hug.' Rather than being aggressive, the octopus appeared curious, using its suckers to explore its environment, Roney said. 'And so you could see it was holding on to him, but it wasn't grabbing him,' said Roney, 'Chris looked like he was having a good time.' 'It was a very gentle hug,' recalled Mullen about the close encounter, 'This is what I was hoping for, this was what I wanted.' Roney said he has done about 1,500 dives over the years, but has only had two close interactions with an octopus. Giant Pacific octopuses are fascinating, interactive animals, and every single time he encounters one, he can't get enough of them, Roney said. Victoria-born marine biologist Jennifer Mather has watched the video, and said the octopus wasn't deliberately taking a selfie even though its work was beautiful. Mather, an octopus expert with the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, said when an octopus finds something interesting and potentially edible, it will pick it up and put it underneath the arm web, which is exactly what we see in the video. 'And the person who had the camera, of course, got pictures because the camera was still running. But it doesn't have anything to do with the octopus taking selfies. Sorry,' said Mather. Mather said the animals are very smart in other ways, likening their personalities to cats. In most situations, when they see divers who crowd around them, they'll sneak away or hide, but an underwater camera with shiny, fresh lights could be quite interesting to them, making them wonder what they can do with it. Wednesdays What's next in arts, life and pop culture. 'Because octopuses do play — not social play, but object play,' said Mather. Roney said the community response to the video has been incredible. 'You really see that people are fascinated by these animals because they're so intelligent and they're so curious, and they're also so otherworldly, right. They're so different from anything that you'd see on land,' he said. 'And it makes me happy to see people seeing our local marine life here.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2025.
San Francisco Chronicle
08-08-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
California winery embroiled in fraud scandal has a new owner
A winery that was embroiled in a high-profile Sonoma County fraud scandal has been acquired by a prominent California wine industry executive. Sojourn Cellars was once part of the portfolio of embattled real estate developer Kenneth Mattson, who was arrested in May on charges including wire fraud and money laundering. The Sonoma winery, which had a reputation for high-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, became a victim of Mattson's fallout. In May, a bankruptcy court judge approved the sale of over 150 assets affiliated with Mattson and his partners. Now, Pat Roney, the former CEO of Vintage Wine Estates, has purchased Sojourn with a small investment group. The deal includes Sojourn's brand and inventory, but no winery or vineyards. Roney did not disclose a purchase price. There are two main reasons why Roney wanted to buy the 10,000-case Sojourn. First, 'I don't do well at retirement,' he said. Second, 'it's a great winery,' and almost 90% of its sales are direct to consumer, 'which is where the trend is going for smaller wineries.' Roney co-founded Vintage Wine Estates after he and the late wine mogul Leslie Rudd purchased Windsor Vineyards in 2007, adding it to Napa Valley's Girard Vineyards, which they had jointly acquired in 2000. In the following years, Roney grew Vintage into one of California's most powerful wine conglomerates, buying 28 additional wineries including B.R. Cohn, Kunde, Cameron Hughes and Layer Cake. Roney stepped down as CEO in 2023, transitioning to board president. Vintage filed for bankruptcy last summer, instantly becoming the most visible sign that California's wine industry was facing a major crisis, and preceding a barrage of other winery closures or sales. When Vintage's assets became available in a bankruptcy auction, Roney and Vintage investor John Sebastiani put in a bid for three of the company's most popular Sonoma wineries, Kunde, B.R. Cohn and Viansa. But they lost the bid to automotive billionaire Jay Adair, who paid $85 million for those properties, as well as Napa Valley's Clos Pegase and Girard. Roney didn't walk away empty handed, however. He managed to buy Windsor Vineyards, the winery that had launched Vintage Wine Estates in the first place, in October from Full Glass Marketing, which had bought it from Vintage out of bankruptcy. In the months since, Roney said he's made changes to Windsor Vineyards including updating the website and 'improving the quality of the wines.' The big draw for Sojourn, he said, is its well trafficked tasting room by the downtown Sonoma plaza. Given the precariousness of the wholesale market for wine right now — behemoth distributor Republic National Distributing Co. is pulling out of California entirely — it's more important than ever for wineries to build up their direct-to-consumer businesses, Roney said. As part of the acquisition, Roney has laid 'a couple of people' off, he said, but most of the staff remains in place, including longtime winemaker Erich Bradley. A renovation of the tasting room is in the works (it will remain open during renovations), and Roney has plans for a packaging makeover. 'They went through a controversial label change,' he said. 'We're going to bring it back closer to what it was before.'
