Photography

LINDSEY WASSON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Aquarist Rob Kirkelie gently pours Hazel, a 45-pound giant Pacific octopus, out of a bucket and into the waiting hands of a diver in the waters of Elliott Bay at the Seattle Aquarium on Sunday. Hazel, a female, successfully mated with Franklin, another aquarium octopus, on their "blind date" on Valentine's Day. Five divers guided her to different dens nearby, but Hazel wasn't interested in any of the provided options. The picky cephalopod, who is at the end of her life, called a stage of senescence, will be looking for a den of her own where she will lay her eggs. The event was part of the aquarium's Octopus Week, which runs Feb. 14-22 and features octopus feedings, talks and hands-on activities for kids. The next octopus release event takes place on Feb. 22 at noon.

LINDSEY WASSON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Dive coordinator Tim Carpenter, left, production coordinator Beck Bingham, center and dive supervisor Jeff Christiansen, top keep an eye on several screens as they watch divers help release Hazel, a 45-pound giant Pacific octopus, back into the waters of Elliott Bay.

LINDSEY WASSON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Aquarist Rob Kirkelie keeps an eye on Hazel, a female 45-pound giant Pacific octopus as he rolls her to a ramp where they will release her back into the water.

LINDSEY WASSON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Hazel curls her tentacles as she waits in a bucket.

LINDSEY WASSON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Several Seattle Aquarium divers make their way back onto land after helping to release Hazel.