Octopus nameless no more! | News

AKRON, Ohio – The octopus at the Akron Zoo finally has a name. After 2,200 submissions the octopus will be named Cora, which she chose herself after the zoo narrowed the choices to three.

The zoo narrowed the contest down to Cora, Octavia and Scarlet. The three names were written on three different enrichment balls and placed inside a white container. The octopus unscrewed the lid and pulled out the ball with the name Cora on it first, declaring it the winner. The person who submitted the winning name will receive an octopus prize pack and a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo’s new exhibit. More than one person did submit the name so all the names with Cora on it were placed into a drawing and one winner was chosen at random.

The zoo received over 2,200 entries from around the United States and Canada.

The octopus has been a favorite of people that have seen the zoo’s new exhibit, Journey to the Reef, opened on May 26, 2012. Cora weighs about 20 pounds and is about four feet long from the top of her head to the end of her arms.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. The Akron Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit http://www.akronzoo.org/ or call (330) 375-2550.

Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation Zoo with over 700 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the Zoo strives to provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.