CPS students to name Shedd’s dolphin calf

Pacific white-sided dolphin Katrl swims with her newborn, yet-to-be-named calf at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. | Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

Chicago Public Schools’ fourth-grade students will be in charge of naming one of the newest additions to the Shedd Aquarium.

A female Pacific white-sided dolphin calf, born Aug. 31 to Katrl, has yet to be named, and the animal care team at the Shedd is teaming up with the city school system to choose its perfect name, according to a release from the aquarium.

“Every birth at the aquarium is significant and a cause for celebration,” Lisa Junkin Lopez, vice president of learning and community at Shedd said, “but no more than those in 2020 which brought much-needed optimism and moments of delight and respite during a difficult year.”

Students voting will choose from five names: Harmony, Rae, Joy, Hope and Grace. Voting begins Tuesday and runs through Friday.

Children from 16 classrooms, chosen by CPS, the Shedd and Children First Fund, will also get the opportunity to take a special virtual field trip to the aquarium, the release said. Biologists, veterinarians and caretakers will be on hand to answer questions and share more about the calf.

The calf “has continued to grow, thrive and meet important milestones,” and now weighs about 100 pounds, the Shedd said. It has bonded with its mother and begun socializing with other dolphins in the pod.

The name will be revealed at the end of the month, the Shedd said, and CPS teachers will also have access to online resources and activities to encourage further environmental study.

Pacific white-sided dolphin Katrl swims with her newborn, yet-to-be-named calf at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.