For new parents, the naming of a baby is filled with excitement, debate, even secrecy, and brings with it hopes and aspirations tied to the chosen moniker. For the Shedd Aquarium’s newest dolphin calf, born in April, add “election” to the naming process.
From Monday, July 4 to Wednesday, July 13, the aquarium will enlist guests ages 18 and under to vote for a name for the newest member of the Shedd’s seven-member Pacific white-sided dolphin family. First-time mother Katrl gave birth to the male calf on April 18 and he’s been charming Shedd guests ever since his public debut in early June.
Featuring “voter registration” stations that offer fun facts about Pacific white-sided dolphins, the aquarium staff — who are clearly smitten with the Shedd’s cherubic new family member — hope the election will help educate its younger guests through this interactive process.
“Elections are a great form of public education on a massive scale,” says Cheryl Mell, Shedd’s senior vice president of global field experiences and learning. “At the aquarium, our goal is for guests to step away having learned something new about the natural world around them. With this naming election, we have an opportunity to do more than just host a vote, but actively encourage young visitors to learn about Pacific white-sided dolphins and their role in our changing oceans.”
The five name “candidates” are derived from Tlingit, the endangered language of an indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest, specifically southeast Alaska and Western Canada — areas native to the dolphin species. The names are:
- Taashuka (tah-SHOO-kah) – meaning “Tidelands”
- Katnaanu (kat-NAH-noo) – meaning “Wilderness”
- Kukdlaa (KOOK-dlah) – meaning “Bubbles”
- Kusti (KOOS-tee) – meaning “Life/Way of Living”
- Lekwaa (LAY-kwah) – meaning “Spirit”
Don’t fret if you’re unable to make it to the aquarium during the election. Like any fair democratic process, “absentee ballots” will be accepted online during the last two days of the vote (July 11 and 12) at sheddaquarium.org/dolphinvote. The winning name will be announced Wednesday, July 13, but those anxious to get voting status updates during the voting period, watch reports by teens from Shedd “polling stations,” and even view celebrity candidate endorsements (soon-to-be-announced Chicago athletes and meteorologists are weighing in) can follow #DolphinVote2016.
With such buzz surrounding the calf’s birth and its ultimate name, the Shedd is partnering with the Chicago Park District to help get out the vote and engage even more youth in the naming process. The Park District will share information about the election at their 230 park locations, and with kids and parents participating in 2016 summer camps.
About the calf
- He’s about 3.6 feet long and weighs in at nearly 50 pounds — double his birth weight.
- Learn more about the milestones he has reached so far in this recent blog update.
About Pacific white-sided dolphins
- Pacific white-sided dolphins swim in the cool waters of the North Pacific Ocean, and are distinguished by their black backs, gray sides and white bellies. A suspender-like stripe runs down each side.
- Pacific white-sided dolphins are known for their amazing aerial abilities and are among the fastest swimmers in the ocean, clocking in at 25 miles per hour.
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