Shedd Aquarium is conducting a vote where Chicago locals can help name newly rescued Otters 929 as they’ve recently joined the Abbott Oceanarium. The animal care team that has been overseeing their health will vote internally on a name for Otter 926, one of the other rescued sea otters.
For Otter 292, they’re involving the public. The aquarium is hosting a digital vote in an effort to help increase understanding around the friendly otters.
The nine-month-old otters are both females and were discovered separately on the coast of California at only two weeks old. Initially rescued by Monterey Bay Aquarium, they were taken care of by the staff at the Aquarium of the Pacific for a few months before arriving in Chicago.
They’ve been adjusting well to their new environment, living happily behind the scenes as they acclimate. Recently, they’ve been introduced to the main otter habitat, and now the yet-to-be-named otters can be seen by aquarium visitors.
The list of names corresponds to a location along the coast of California, where sea otters can be found– which helps the public connect to the otter’s native habitat. The names for consideration are:
- Jade: named after Jade Cove located in the southern area of Big Sur in California
- Sunny: named after Sunset Beach next to Asilomar Beach in California
- Willow: named after Willow Creek Picnic Area and Beach in Monterey County, California
Vote as many times as you’d like and get on it as voting closes Monday, October 31st at 5 PM.
Did you know that otters are the smallest marine species and are also members of the weasel family? The growing female otters can weigh up to 60 pounds. What name is your favorite for Otter 929? The winner will be announced on November 1st.