National Geographic magazine, May 2024 Issue

Secrets of the Octopus. National Geographic stories take you on a journey that's always enlightening, often surprising and unfailingly fascinating. This month–secrets of the octopus.

In this issue: 8 fascinating facts about octopuses—from their supersmarts to their favorite foods — Our photographer got an exclusive look at how researchers are learning more about these cephalopods—and how that relates to us.; An octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret world — In an excerpt from the new book Secrets of the Octopus, an animal lover offers insight into this “strange, beautiful, curious creature.”; Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? — A master of disguise, cunning escape artist, and selfless parent, the octopus is an extraordinary creature. How well do you know them?; Alex Schnell demystifies what humans know about octopuses — The marine biologist hopes her cephalopod research will spread empathy for these curious and intelligent creatures.; England’s chalk streams were millions of years in the making. Can they survive today? — There are fewer than 300 of these streams on the planet, and they’re teeming with life. But in recent years, detergents, microplastics, and other waste have taken a toll.; Heard of Zoroastrianism? The ancient religion still has fervent followers — Once the faith of millions, a small but devoted number of adherents in Asia and North America keep the flame of faith burning.; See how ancient Indigenous artists left their mark on the landscape — For millennia, Indigenous peoples etched and painted their stories across present-day North America. Today, everyone can still learn from that rich cultural heritage.; This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes — “She’s going to be a hero,” National Geographic Explorer Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya said when she adopted her canine tracking companion.; Done the Camino? Try tackling Japan’s 88-temple Shikoku Trail — This challenging pilgrimage route takes in Buddhist temples, mist-shrouded mountains, steamy baths, and ages-old cultural traditions.; How eating ‘bacon bugs’ helps save lemurs — A National Geographic Explorer is betting on the tasty and nutritious insects as an alternate food source to the meat of Madagascar's endangered primates.; This Inca girl was frozen for 500 years. She just got a new face. — The mummified remains of the Ice Maiden of Ampato—a child sacrifice victim—were stunningly preserved. Now, archaeology and science have restored her gaze.