VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- The votes are in!
The newest member of the Aquarium, a young harbor seal, has been named Rudder.
Popular write-in submissions included Pepper, Pickles, Bruce (in reference to the New Jersey-born Springsteen), Navy, Frankie and Sam.
"Unfortunately, Pepper, which was the most frequently submitted name, is not be feasible as it is too similar to the name Piper, one of our other harbor seals," Aquarium officials said in a press release.
Rudder has been adjusting well to his new surroundings. He loves playing with all his new toys. He's still a little shy, but he is getting acclimated and really loves working with our team.
"We are so thankful to the public for helping us choose his name," said Rachel Metz, Director of Live Exhibits for the Virginia Aquarium. "The staff and I are particularly pleased with the selection of the name Rudder because it speaks to the reason we have him and gives us an opportunity to share the story of his rescue every time we tell his name."
The Aquarium will host a "Welcome Home Party" for Rudder, as soon as he is comfortable with his "brothers," the resident harbor seals Peter, Piper, Hector and Norton.
The juvenile seal stranded in Deal, New Jersey, on Valentine's Day and had lacerations on its neck and puncture wounds on its back, possibly from a shark bite or boat strike.
