Published: 6/25/2012

New Akron Zoo octopus gets moniker and a meal

ASSOCIATED PRESS

AKRON — The giant Pacific octopus that’s the star attraction at the Akron Zoo’s new reef exhibit has chosen her name by pulling shrimp from a labeled ball.

A list of 2,200 suggestions submitted in a public naming contest was narrowed to three options Monday for the 20-pound, 4-foot-long octopus, and she chose Cora. It’s a shortened version of coral, which is a popular octopus habitat and the theme of the exhibit.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports the octopus made her decision by selecting the ball labeled Cora, pulling out shrimp, and then holding up the winning name with a tentacle as photographers captured the moment.

The most-submitted name suggestion had been Octavia. The other option, Scarlet, referred to the creature’s reddish skin.

Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. If a comment violates these standards or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report abuse. To post comments, you must be a Facebook member. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.

Related stories