Ali Redman, aquarium curator for the Port Townsend Marine Science Center exhibit at Fort Worden State Park, points to the eye slit of Sylvia, a 3-year-old male giant Pacific octopus named after Sylvia Earle, the first female chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The center is awaiting a permit from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to be released back his original habitat, which is under the science center pier. Giant Pacific octopuses die after mating and live no more than 3 or 4 years.
