Brookfield Zoo asks public to help name North American river otter pup

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Brookfield Zoo plans to introduce one of its latest additions on Facebook Live on Wednesday and is asking the public to help pick a name.

A North American river otter was born Jan 20 at Brookfield Zoo and the public will be able to meet the male pup on Wednesday during a “Bringing the Zoo to You” Facebook Live chat at 11 a.m.

A North American river otter, born on January 20 at Brookfield Zoo is doing well. Staff made the decision to intervene and hand-rear him after it was determined his mom was not able to provide him with the proper nourishment he needed.
A North American river otter, born on January 20 at Brookfield Zoo is doing well. Staff made the decision to intervene and hand-rear him after it was determined his mom was not able to provide him with the proper nourishment he needed. Photo credit Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society

According to the zoo, the male pup is currently being hand-reared by animal care staff after it was determined that his mom, Charlotte, was not able to provide him with the proper nourishment he needed. The zoo plans to introduce him back with Charlotte and his dad, Benny, once he is weaned, which will be towards the end of March.

Craig Stevens, an animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo, with a month-old North American river otter pup. The pup is being hand-reared because his mom was not able to provide him with the proper nourishment he needed.
Craig Stevens, an animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo, with a month-old North American river otter pup. The pup is being hand-reared because his mom was not able to provide him with the proper nourishment he needed. Photo credit Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society

In addition to the Facebook live meet and greet, the zoo said the "inquisitive and playful" pup needs a name and is asking the public to help in the final decision.

Those wishing, can cast a vote for their favorite on the zoo’s website at CZS.org/OtterName. The name choices are:
• Chippewa—name of rivers found in the upper Midwest where North American river otters are found
• Flambeau—a river in north-central Wisconsin also found in otters’ native habitat
• Pascal—name of otter character in a popular video game
• Ozzy—just a really a cute name

Voting begins Tuesday and continues through Monday, March 15, at 5 p.m. The name with the most votes will be announced on Tuesday, March 16.

A North American river otter, born on January 20 at Brookfield Zoo is doing well. Staff made the decision to intervene and hand-rear him after it was determined his mom was not able to provide him with the proper nourishment he needed.
A North American river otter, born on January 20 at Brookfield Zoo is doing well. Staff made the decision to intervene and hand-rear him after it was determined his mom was not able to provide him with the proper nourishment he needed. Photo credit Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society

According to the zoo, the Illinois population of North American river otters—fewer than 100 individuals in the late 1980s—was once threatened due to over harvesting and habitat loss. However, a successful recovery program initiated in the early 1990s by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources helped increase the number of otters in the state. The program included relocating nearly 350 otters from Louisiana to central and southeastern Illinois. The state also engaged in conserving wetlands and wooded areas along streams and rivers, which is otter habitat. Today, the species is common throughout Illinois thanks to these effort as well as expanding otter populations in neighboring states.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society