Shedd Aquarium Introduces Name for Newest Non-Releasable Sea Otter

Following a public onsite vote at Shedd Aquarium, the newest non-releasable rescued southern sea otter has a new name. The most recent addition to the rescued otter raft was named Jade, in honor of Jade's Cove, just south of Monterey. In a surprise-and-delight opportunity, guests had the chance to cast a vote for their favorite name from a list provided by caretakers at Shedd. Other options included: Esa, for the Endangered Species Act, which helps protect the recovery of the species; Marina, for the city where she was rescued; and Rey, for the Monterey Bay area.

“The rescued raft of sea otters serves as important ambassadors, connecting Chicagoans to coastlines and kelp forests that often feel far away, and we know how critical it is to connect on a personal level to care about it,” said Andrea Oake, manager of sea otters and sea lions at Shedd Aquarium. “By providing this naming opportunity onsite to bring people eye-to-eye with the otters, we’re able to create a powerful connection that could last a lifetime.”

Jade also officially made her public debut by exploring the sea otter exhibit in the Abbott Oceanarium. However, she continues to have the choice to spend time behind the scenes or on exhibit. She has met several of the other rescued otters at Shedd Aquarium, including Luna and Watson, which is a significant step in socialization as she continues to acclimate. Additionally, Jade continues to practice important skills, which she will hopefully teach future surrogate pups, like grooming her dense fur, diving to various depths and foraging for food.

“Our animal care team is happy with how well she’s acclimated, and we’re having a lot of fun getting to know her; she is very inquisitive but also calm and confident,” said Oake. “Guests might spot her wrapped up in her favorite enrichment item of carwash strips that mimics kelp or carrying smaller balls on her chest, or sometimes she’s diving and leaping around the strips.”

Guests can plan a visit to the aquarium to see the otters that call Shedd home, including Jade. By purchasing a ticket, becoming a member or donating to the aquarium, you are supporting the mission of Shedd and the continued rescue work that is essential for protecting aquatic species.

BACKGROUND: Shedd Aquarium is playing an important role in providing a temporary home to the non-releasable rescued female sea otters in support of Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sea Otter Surrogacy Program and their surrogacy partner, Aquarium of the Pacific. Jade will be raised in Chicago’s aquarium until mature enough to potentially become a surrogate mother to orphaned pups one day. More information about her arrival can be found here and more information about Shedd’s involvement in this innovative conservation program is available here.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality b-roll here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e70678958646ea67266&C=50.
Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez
Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin