Shedd launches contest to name orphaned sea otter pup

A rescued sea otter pup at the Shedd Aquarium, currently known only as Pup 681, will get a name soon—and you can help choose it.

Voters can choose between five names selected by Shedd staff: Cali, Ellie, Luna, Poppy or Ana/Anya.

All of the names are affiliated with California, where the otter pup was discovered by a person taking an evening walk on Coastways Beach near San Mateo County.

The now 10-pound female otter arrived at the downtown aquarium Oct. 28 after being cared for at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the first four weeks of her life, according to a statement from the Shedd.

Experts think the pup—who was only 2 pounds at the time—had been separated from her mother for at least 16 hours before being found.

According to an update posted on the Shedd’s website, the pup can now swim on both her back and tummy, and knows a white towel spread on the deck means it’s time to groom.

To vote, go to GoodMorningAmerica.com. Participants can submit votes as often as they like until 2 p.m. on Dec. 11.

The otter’s name will be revealed Dec. 12.