March 11--One of the Shedd's most charming critters, known only as Otter Pup 719, is in need of a new name. Starting today, until March 17, Shedd members can vote for one of five names chosen by the Shedd staff, online at www.sheddaquarium.org. All of the names relate to the area in Carmel, California where the southern sea otter was rescued.
The five names to choose from: Gilly, for nearby Guillemot Island; Ellie, for Carmel, the beach where Pup 719 was rescued; Cali, for California, where the pup was found; Poppy, for the California state flower; and Reya, derived from Monterey Bay.
Pup 719 came to Shedd in late January, after being rescued on Carmel Beach by officials at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Since her arrival at the Shedd, the pup has grown to just under 15 pounds, has a bigger appetite and has started sleeping through the night.
The name will be revealed during a media and members-only event at Shedd on Friday, March 18, where the pup will make her first public appearance in the Regenstein Sea Otter habitat in the Abbott Oceanarium.
