So far, O`ahu has 4 newborn pups reported in 2020.
PO1: a boy was born on February 21, 2020, on Manana Island to Pua, RF34/35 (6 years old.) PO1 is also the first pup of 2020 on the Main Hawaiian Islands. Possibly Pua’s 1st pup but she was disappeared at 5 months old then after 6 years, she came back to her home and gave birth to PO1. PO1’s grandmother is Sadie, RB12/13 (13 years old.) Pua weaned PO1 during the week of April 12th.
Photo by NOAA, Pua, RF34 and PO1
PO2: a girl was born on April 6, 2020 to unidentified mother. Stay tuned to figure out who is mother!
Photo by HMAR (Hawaii Marine Animal Response)
PO3: was born around April 16, 2020, on Manana Island to unidentified mother. The pup’s gender is not announced. Mom & pup’s photo will be coming when NOAA identified the mother. Stay tuned!
PO4: a boy was born on April 23, 2020, on O`ahu to RL42/43 (8 years old.) PO4 is her 2rd pup and 1st pup is Hinakokea, RK40/41 (born in 2018.) The pup’s gender is too early to check. Mom & pup’s photo will be coming when the State Park is reopened. RL42 is Luana, RN58/59’s big sister.
This is much happier news after I heard some sad heartbroken news.
by HMAR (Hawaii Marine Animal Response)
I am praying for all newborn pups of 2020 including on other sister islands that all pups grow strong & healthy and having a happy long life!!
How do we know the seal is male or female?
by NOAA
Only the way we can see the seal’s gender is on its belly. (see the above photo)
Female has four nipples/teats surrounded the belly button. It looks like a square on her belly.
Male does not have nipples but he has a penile opening under his belly button.
Are females or males larger?
Females and males are similarly sized.
Most adult seals are in the 350 to 500 pounds range depending on sex, age, and reproductive status. The average length for a mature seal is 6 to 7 feet.
Newborn pup measurement is about 35 pounds weight and 3 feet length and the weaner pup is about 200 pounds weight and 4 feet length.
by NOAA
How close you can get to a seal?
Please stay behind any signs or ropes that have been established by HMAR or other authorized personnel. If no signs or ropes are in place and no HMAR or other authorized personnel are on scene, a good guideline is to remain 50 feet from the seal.
If there are a seal mom and pup on the beach, a good guideline is to remain 150 feet from the pair. The mother seal always protects her pup and more aggressive to the predators.
Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the most endangered marine animal species so a disturbance of a seal may constitute a violation of Hawaii state and/or federal laws.
Always keep your pets on a leash in the vicinity of a Hawaiian Monk Seal to prevent disease transmission between the animals.
If you see the seal(s) please report to the hotline as well as any injured, entangled, or protected marine species in distress to (888) 256-9840!
Please join one of our tours to learn more about Hawaiian Monk Seal!
Mahalo for visiting.
