This entry was posted on Saturday, December 27th, 2008 at 10:54 pm and is filed under About, Adventure Cruises, History, Information, Migration, Sites, Snorkeling, Snuba, Whales. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Photo Courtesy NOAA/NMFS/Bill Curtsinger, NatGeo
This little male named KP2 (left photo) has had a harrowing first few days of life in Hawaii. Shortly after birth on Kaua’i, KP2 was abandoned. No one can explain why the mother seal would do this, although there are several theories. A cute little jet black pup was seen with front flippers spread and trying to nurse on a large rock. This never seen before behavior saddened and shocked scientists. So, 24 hours after birth this pup was adopted by NOAA scientists and nursed back to health. Dr. Gregg Levine, who was the head veterinarian, said the hardest part was finding the right type of formula, which they did. This was back in May. In August, scientists moved the pup to an ocean pen off Kaneohe, Oahu at a marine base. There the little guy was able to forage for octopus, fish, crabs, and other types of monk seal food. This step was a vital one for his future survival techniques. Every effort was made to ensure the health and safety of this important animal. This week, 7 months after being abandoned, this hefty and healthy monk seal pup has been moved to an undisclosed location in the main Hawaiian island chain where he lumbered from the cage and right into the water without looking back. He will be monitored for another week. The researchers say he now weighs a very hefty 150 pounds and if all goes well he may grow to over 500 pounds and live a long and active life of 25 – 30 years.
The Hawaiian monk seal is a very special animal. Not only is it endemic (only in Hawaii), but this marine mammal is critically endangered. Researchers say there are less than 1,000 left making it the most critically endangered marine mammal on the planet. The photo on the bottom was taken at another time, but is a new pup and I wanted to include it to show how cute new ones are. NOAA and MNFS have been working tirelessly with other organizations to try and save this species. Ancient Hawaiians named this animal Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, which translates to “dog who runs in rough seas”. As with many other animals, this seal was a very important ‘aumâkua, or family god. This seal does make a loud barking sound and also snores loudly when asleep. They sneeze constantly to clear their noses of sand which blows in with the trades while they nap on the beaches. If you are ever fortunate enough to watch one resting, either through binoculars or camera lens, they have the most beautiful brown eyes, seem to sleep with one eye open on occasion, constantly scratch themselves and look most relaxed, even when on rocks instead of sand.
When in Hawaii please do drive island perimeters looking for the sleeping seals. As with any protected species you may not approach closely, but quiet picture taking from 50 yards away can give great memories. Also, if planning a boating trip there is always a possibility of seeing a seal outside of Maalaea Harbor, Maui, or out at Molokini, also off Maui. Bring your camera!
January 12th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Casino 496c0b9208…
Casino 496c0b9208…