Brookfield Zoo Announce Name of Adorable Otter Pup

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: March 19, 2021 12:30 am

Pascal, a nearly 2-month-old North American river otter pup at Brookfield Zoo. More than 18,000 votes were cast by the public over a two-week period to determine the pup’s name, which was announced on March 17 during a TikTok live chat.

Photo Credit: CZS/ Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo announced the name for their nearly 2-month-old North American river otter pup on March 16th 2021 during a live chat on TikTok.

Over a two week period the public were invited to vote for their favorite name for the pup. More than 18,000 votes were cast with the eventual winner being Pascal, the name of an otter in a popular video game.

Other names included in the vote were Chippewa, Flambeau and Ozzy.

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake hatchlings at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Photo Credit: CZS/ Brookfield Zoo

The male otter pup is currently being reared by animal care staff as soon after his birth on January 20th 2021 it became evident mother Charlotte, was not providing him with proper nourishment.

It is hoped that once the pup is weaned at the end of March he can be reunited with parents Charlotte and Benny.

Currently most of the pup’s nourishment is still coming from a bottle provided by keepers but he is starting to try solid foods.

— AD —

Another new adventure for Pascal in recent weeks has been his introduction to water and he is progressing well during daily swimming lessons.

Keepers say that Pascal is ‘full of energy and learns new things every day. Like most otters, Pascal is very playful and inquisitive.’

Pascal, a nearly 2-month-old North American river otter pup at Brookfield Zoo. More than 18,000 votes were cast by the public over a two-week period to determine the pup’s name, which was announced on March 17 during a TikTok live chat.

Photo Credit: CZS/ Brookfield Zoo

Less than 100 North American river otters remained in Illinois (the location of Brookfield Zoo) in the 1980s. This was a result of over-harvesting and habitat loss. A recovery program initiated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the 1990s has helped to restore their numbers.

Today the species is once again considered common and the otter population has begun to expand to neighboring states.

Pascal, a nearly 2-month-old North American river otter pup at Brookfield Zoo. More than 18,000 votes were cast by the public over a two-week period to determine the pup’s name, which was announced on March 17 during a TikTok live chat.

Photo Credit: CZS/ Brookfield Zoo

Learn more about Otters here – Otter Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Brookfield Zoo Zoo on their website – Brookfield Zoo