The National Aviary has an important task for you – lend a hand in choosing a name for its new female Steller’s Sea Eagle and potential mate for its male resident sea eagle, Kodiak or Kody.

VOTE NOW TO HELP NAME THE NATIONAL AVIARY’S FEMALE STELLER’S SEA EAGLE. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL AVIARY

The aviary’s animal care staff pored over a number of suggested names submitted by the public and have narrowed suggestions down to four:

• Aurora – An homage to Aurora Borealis, or The Northern Lights, which can be seen in several locations including Estonia, where she lived prior to the aviary
• Juneau – Pronounced “Juno,” the capital of Alaska, a state where this species has been seen in the wild
• Sitka – Short for Sitkalidak Island near Kodiak, Alaska – the inspiration for Kody’s name; also Alaska’s fifth largest city
• Stella – An homage to the species name itself, the name Stella draws inspiration from “Steller’s Sea Eagle”

A $5 donation earns five entries and a $10 donation earns 12 entries for the name of your choice. Cast your votes here or in person at the aviary, located at 700 Arch St. in the North Side.

A winner will be announced at the end of September, and the person(s) who submitted the winning name will get the chance to win a free owl or falcon encounter.

The Steller’s Sea Eagle recently joined Kody in the public-facing habitat in the Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall.

Kody, a 15-year resident of the aviary, made headlines in 2021 when he accidentally got loose from his habitat. Tips from the public helped the animal care team return Kody safely back home.

The staff wanted to give the community a chance to help name his potential mate since it was instrumental in helping bring Kody home.

“Steller’s Sea Eagles are magnificent birds, but their numbers in the wild are declining. AZA-collaborative breeding programs ensure the entire Steller’s Sea Eagle population remains healthy and genetically diverse for the long-term future,” Kurt Hundgen, senior director of Animal Care and Conservation Programs for the National Aviary, said in a press release.

For a complete list of voting rules, more information on planning your visit and upcoming events, visit the website.