CHICAGO — The Shedd Aquarium has officially introduced its newest sea otter, and her name is Jade — a nod to Jade Cove, a scenic and well-known diving destination along California’s central coast.
Otter Jade Makes Her Public Debut at Shedd
Jade, formerly known to caretakers as Otter 937, arrived at the Shedd in May 2025 after two previous residents, Suri and Willow, were returned to the Aquarium of the Pacific in California. With her arrival, Jade now becomes the newest member of the Abbott Oceanarium, where Shedd’s rescued sea otters are housed.
The name “Jade” was selected following a public voting process and reflects the otter’s California origins. According to CBS Chicago, Jade Cove is a diving spot just south of Monterey that holds personal significance for marine wildlife lovers and conservationists.
Getting Comfortable in Her New Home
Jade has already made her first public appearance at the Shedd Aquarium. According to staff, she’s adapting well to her new surroundings and has begun socializing with other resident otters, including Luna and Watson — both previously rescued and now part of the aquarium’s educational and enrichment programs.
Caretakers describe Jade as “inquisitive but also calm and confident,” and say she’s made a smooth transition to life in Chicago. The staff hopes she could eventually serve a greater purpose in the otter rescue community.
“There’s potential that Jade may one day be a surrogate mom to orphaned otter pups,” said Shedd’s animal care team. “She shows the right temperament and comfort level in her environment.”
Why Rescued Otters Matter
Sea otters play a vital role in maintaining the health of kelp forest ecosystems. Many of the otters housed at Shedd are rescues that were found stranded or orphaned off the Pacific Coast. Through collaboration with other marine institutions, including the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shedd Aquarium gives these animals a second chance while also educating the public about marine conservation.
Jade is the latest example of the Shedd’s continuing mission to blend rescue, rehabilitation, education, and conservation in a hands-on setting that resonates with families and animal lovers across Chicago.
What do you think of Jade’s new name and her story of rescue and recovery? Have you seen her at the Shedd yet? Drop a comment and let us know at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com!
