Fans of cute, furry things are rejoicing today after Shedd Aquarium announced the name of its rescued sea otter pup on Good Morning America. Co-workers will no longer have to ask one another, "Hey, have you seen the latest Pup 681 video?" After collecting more than 10,000 votes, the delightful semiaquatic mammal will henceforth be known as "Luna."
The winning name shouldn't come as a surprise, as "Luna" was the option that was proposed by Shedd Aquarium members. Even author J.K. Rowling favored the moniker, which is shared by the Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood.
@shedd_aquarium Luna, of course!
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 3, 2014
The name is derived from the Latin word for moon, referencing Half Moon Bay—a region of the central Californian coast that is nearby to where the pup was rescued. It also reminds us of the dreamy indie pop band Luna, which was founded by Galaxie 500 guitarist Dean Wareham in the early '90s. Oddly enough, the band wrote a song (and released an album) called "Pup Tent." Coincidence?