Vote On Name Of Brookfield's River Otter

La Grange IL

03 March, 2021

11:05 AM

Description

BROOKFIELD, IL — The public will be able to meet one of Brookfield Zoo's newest additions — a month-old North American river otter — during a "Bringing the Zoo to You" Facebook Live chat at 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to a zoo news release. Born Jan. 20, the male pup is 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 said. Staff hope to introduce him back with Charlotte and his dad, Benny, once he is weaned, which will be towards the end of March. Described as inquisitive and playful, the pup needs a name, and Brookfield Zoo is inviting the public to assist in the final selection. Those wishing can cast a vote for their favorite on the zoo's website. The name choices are: Chippewa — name of rivers found in the upper Midwest where North American river otters are foundFlambeau — a river in north-central Wisconsin also found in otters' native habitatPascal — name of otter character in a popular video gameOzzy — just a really a cute name Voting lasts until 5 p.m. March 15. The name with the most votes will be announced March 16. The Illinois population of North American river otters — fewer than 100 in the late 1980s — was once threatened due to over harvesting and habitat loss, according to the zoo's news release. 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 zoo said.