CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Shedd Aquarium revealed Wednesday the winning name for the new resident in its Oceans exhibit – a giant Pacific octopus.
For one week, all guests who attended Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience had an opportunity to vote, choosing between five preselected aquatic-themed names. After over 3,000 votes were cast at the aquarium the winning name is Sawyer.
According to the Shedd, the winning choice, Sawyer, honors Ernie Sawyer who was a senior aquarist at Shedd Aquarium that retired last year. It is a meaningful choice, because he was dedicated to the care and welfare of the animals in the Oceans exhibit for many years.
This marks the first time the Shedd has asked the public to help name an octopus, though the public has helped name several animals in the past, including beluga whales, dolphins, penguins, and more.
Guests can see the newly named octopus exploring its exhibit, using its dexterous tentacles to investigate puzzles and enrichment devices, and even may be lucky enough to catch a feeding session with its caretakers, the Shedd said in a statement.
Additionally, guests can still attend Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience, powered by ComEd, by purchasing an add-on to their online ticket, a $4.95 upgrade per guest ($2.95 for members). The multisensory experience offers guests a window into an octopus’ life beneath the waves, and its various interactions with its aquatic neighbors, including pyjama sharks and sally lightfoot crabs.
Related
