Vote-opus complete…
7/21/13 Naming results for the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre’s new Giant Pacific Octopus are in!
Sidney, BC – After two weeks, 1623 votes, and several politely declined write-in submissions (thanks, but
no thanks to the person who suggested the name ‘Sucky’), we have a name!
The voting contest to choose a name for the aquarium’s new Giant Pacific Octopus began on July 8th.
Every visitor to the SODC was allowed to vote from a choice of eight names, each based off of locations
in or around the Saanich Inlet. The choices were:
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Mo (Moses Point)
McKenzie (McKenzie Bight)
Sunny (Senanus Island)
Hattie (the Malahat)
Goldie (Goldstream)
Pat (Patricia Bay)
Millie (Mill Bay)
Bambie (Bamberton)
“It was clear early on that there was a favorite,” said Marketing Manager, Christina Smethurst. “The
name that was ultimately chosen has been the front-runner since day one, never leaving the top spot.”
3rd Place honors went to ‘Sunny’ and ‘Millie’; 2nd choice was ‘Goldie’; but in 1st place, by an ocean-slide,
the public has spoken with their decision to name the new Octopus… Mo!
“Now that we have a name for our adorable little cephalopod,” says Smethurst, “we’re all really looking
forward to getting to know her over the next six months and learning even more about the fascinating
behavior of octopuses.” And to make ‘Mo’ feel at home, Smethurst says, “We’re considering naming
two of our rockfish Larry and Curly…”
Media Contact: Christina Smethurst, Marketing Manager-250.665.7511-marketing@oceandiscovery.ca
About Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is an aquarium and marine education centre focused on the diverse ecosystem of
the Salish Sea. www.oceandiscovery.ca. It is a not-for-profit community facility. Funds to operate the aquarium
and associated education programs come from admissions revenues, memberships and generous community
support through donations. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre is governed, funded, and owned by the New Marine
Centre Society a registered charity. The centre is located at 9811 Seaport Pl on the waterfront in Sidney, BC.