Once a year monk seal molt or shed its coat on the beach. The molting process takes about nine or ten days, but the seal stays on the beach before and after the process as well. So for more than a month, it stays on the beach most of the time. It will be tired/lazy and don’t eat enough. Please leave it along quietly! It is fine, just need to process the molting annually.
Kaimana, RJ58/59 — she gets algae on the fur so getting very green color before molt
The seal’s fur looks dull brown or gray prior to molting. If algae have grown on it, it may appear green or orange because the seal spend a long time at sea foraging can grow algae on its fur. (see the above photo) The seal spends its 2/3 of a lifetime in the water.
A seal’s annual molt is very different from the first molt it experienced as a pup. At that time, its coat gradually turned from black to gray as individual hairs fell off and were replaced.
Keolakai, RK80/81 — 8 days old with black fur
Keolakai, RK80/81 before weaned by Honey Girl, R5AY — Her fur changed to gray. Photo by Kimo Smith
From the time it is a year old a seal molts its entire pelage: starting on its belly area, head, and flippers, the old coat peels back and falls away in patches. The last part of the body to molt is usually the middle of its back. This molting called “catastrophic molt” (similar to elephant seals)
Kaiwi, RK96/97 — molting process
Kaiwi, RK96/97 — molting process
Kaiwi, RK96/97 — with a brand new fur after the molt
Females who have recently given birth are usually molting 2 to 3 months after weaned her pup. Other seals are molting 2 to 3 months after their birthday typically.
Please give seals space to rest, molt, give birth, and care for their pups.
When observing resting monk seal, give it at least 50 feet away for regular time and 150 feet away for a mom & pup pair or behind the monk seal signs. Please do not enter or pass the Seal Resting Area.
Most of the Hawaiian beaches are not allowed to bring dogs without leashed on them. Please keep your dog on a leash always.
Please join one of our tours to learn more about Hawaiian Monk Seal. Look forward to meeting you soon.
Mahalo for visiting!
