More than 15,000 people voted in naming Seattle Aquarium’s new baby otter. Sekiu was the winning name from five choices, Willapa, Shi Shi, Elwha, Sekiu and Sequim. ‘Miracle’ didn’t even make the top 5. I voted for Shi Shi (pronounced Shy Shy) but Sekiu was my second choice.

Last week I visited Sekiu, Aniak (mom) and Lootas (grandma) to see how much the pup has grown. At 7.5 weeks she weighs 13 pounds and is eating solid food, shrimp being a favorite. Now when Sekiu nurses Aniak floats much lower in the water. She’s starting to loosing her natal fluff and can dive to about 2 feet before bobbing back to the surface. It won’t be long before she’s diving to the bottom, rolling over sideways and pounding things to her chest. She’s growing up fast!

 

Thanks for reading.
Nancy Cherry Eifert