Shedd Aquarium Introduces Jade, its Newest Non-Releasable Sea Otter

Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium recently unveiled the name of its newest non-releasable rescued southern sea otter. Jade was named in honor of Jade’s Cove, just south of Monterey, California.   Jade’s name was selected through a public vote of Shedd visitors, who chose it from a list of options which 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 made her public debut by exploring the sea otter exhibit in the Abbott Oceanarium. She met several of the other rescued otters 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.”

The Shedd Aquarium plays an important role in providing a temporary home to 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 at the Shedd until she is mature enough to potentially become a surrogate mother to orphaned pups one day.  Additional information about Shedd’s involvement in this innovative conservation program can be found at sheddaquarium.org/stories/saving-sea-otters-through-surrogacy

Guests can plan a visit to the aquarium to see Jade and all the other otters by visiting sheddaquarium.org or calling 312-939-2438.