Featured Image Credit: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
When a California sea lion recently gave birth on June 17 at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, a name was quickly needed for the pup. The Omaha zoo let the public pick the name in a contest, and Raiden took the crown. It’s a mighty name for an adorable little sea lion pup, right? Well, yeah, but it also has a deeper meaning!
In Japanese mythology, Raiden is the god of thunder and lightening. The name is fitting because the pup was born on a stormy night that wreaked havoc on much of the area in Omaha, Nebraska.
Instead of the zoo’s conventional naming contest template, where visitors can submit any name and zookeepers pick a favorite, the zoo offered multiple choices and let people vote. Besides Raiden, the names to choose from included Thor, Bolt, Storm, Rain and Cyclone.
With 34 percent in the final vote, Raiden took the crown. Trailing behind Raiden was Thor (21), then Bolt (17), Storm (16), Rain (7) and Cyclone (5).
Raiden is currently on display with his mom and dad at the zoo’s Owen Sea Lion Pavillion pool.