Governor Corbett Names Baby Sea Lion at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today officially named the newest addition to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: Sophie the Sea Lion.

Shortly after the sea lion was born in June, zoo officials asked Corbett to name the animal, suggesting that he select a name that would bring to mind the governor's hometown. The pup will be moving with her mother, Callie, to the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C. next spring.

"As a lifelong Pittsburgher, I can't think of a single name that evokes the spirit of this town the way 'Sophie' does,'' Corbett said, explaining that he chose the name in honor of former Mayor Sophie Masloff.

"Sophie Masloff isn't just one of Pittsburgh's best-loved people,'' Corbett added, "She is a civic institution, the smiling face and straight-on voice of a big small town.''

"And if you're going to name a zoo resident after her, a sea lion is a pretty good choice. Sophie has been a lioness in the political arena for as long as I can remember.

"She fought this city's battles with candor and courage, and she has survived a few shark attacks in her day," Corbett added.

The former mayor, who attended today's event, said she was "thrilled and honored'' to be remembered at the zoo, a place she has visited since childhood.

Corbett, too, said he had fond memories of taking his own children to visit the zoo when they were young.

Media contact:  Kirsten Page, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor