Orange octopus is “The Wave” protest in West London, 5th Dec 2009. (Photo by Paul and Edith/bitospud)

There are no obvious slogans on the octopus (or in other photos of it), and given the context of an environmental protest: the octopus is just an octopus (can you hear me cheering?).

1880 which criticising ‘the pollution of New York’s air by the Standard Oil plant in the Bronx. The company is depicted as “A HORRIBLE MONSTER, WHOSE TENTACLES SPREAD POVERTY, DISEASE AND DEATH”.’ and was published July 19th, 1880.

Image source: Kovarik, W. ”Industrial Revolution: 1810 – 1890″ Environmental History Timeline