Shedd Kicks Off Contest To Name Sea Otter Pup 681
By Lisa White in News on Dec 2, 2014 5:15PM
(Photo credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez)
The time has finally come to give a formal name to the sea otter pup that captured the hearts of so many across the globe last month after she debuted at the Shedd Aquarium as part of their partnership with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sea Otter Program. Pup 681 took over the internet with her cuteness, but as many people commented, something so cute needed a real name (for the record, we've been calling her Mitzi around the office because TOO CUTE).
The Shedd has partnered with ABC’s Good Morning America to host a “Name the Sea Otter Pup” voting contest. Good Morning America invites their viewers (and general lovers of sea otter pup cuteness) to cast their vote online starting today. They can vote as often as they like until Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. EST. The winning name will be revealed on Dec. 12.
Down to the serious business, what names do we have to choose from? Well, we've got five options selected by the Shedd's marine mammal staff. The Shedd has a long history of naming their animals that are rescued with ties to the location where they were found. Here are the options along with some backstory for each:
Cali: To honor the California otter
Ellie: Año Nuevo State Park is well known for its elephant seals, also Elkhorn Slough - an area that is right up the coast from Monterey that is home to many sea otters
Luna: Derived from nearby Half Moon Bay
Poppy: California State Flower
Aña or Anya: Derived from Año Nuevo State Park
Personally our front-running favorite is Ellie, but then again if Luna is picked, Pup 681 could catch an endorsement deal with a certain popular jingle. We support Pup 681 becoming the mascot of anything if it means more video of her being cute, even affordable flooring solutions.
So head on over and start casting your vote for your favorite name. And Follow along with the likely heated debates and discussions on social media with the hashtag #OtterPupVote. For now, enjoy some new footage of Pup 681 who is learning how to dive like a champ!