Endangered Hawaiian monk seal rescued in Kaua’i

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii (KHON2) — The Marine Mammal Center has taken in a critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal, R8HA at its hospital in Kailua-Kona, Ke Kai Ola on Tuesday.

The juvenile male seal is currently in serious but stable condition after being rescued from Kaua’i, made possible through community support and partnerships with several agencies.

“Although not out of the woods from a health standpoint, thanks to the important and timely response from DNLR and NOAA, we will do everything we can to give R8HA a second chance to return to his ocean home,” Megan McGinnis, Associate Director of Hawaiʻi Community Conservation at The Marine Mammal Center said. “Conservation takes a village. We are proud that nearly 30 percent of monk seals that are alive today are due to efforts led by NOAA and partners like the Center and DLNR.”

NOAA and DNLR had been monitoring R8HA for over two months due to the seal’s thin body condition.

During initial critical care, R8HA, found severely underweight and lethargic. It received diagnostic tests revealing hypoglycemia and an electrolyte imbalance with other test results pending.

Since 2014, the Marine Mammal Center has rehabilitated and released 45 monk seals. Most of them are rescued from and returned to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as part of the Center’s partnership with NOAA Fisheries.

“The rescue of this young seal was possible due to the passionate dedication of numerous partners, volunteers, and community members,” Jamie Thomton, NOAA Fisheries’ Kauaʻi Marine Wildlife Response Coordinator said. “It’s great news that his appetite has been increasing, and we’re hopeful that R8HA will continue to improve thanks to the specialized care he’s receiving.”

The public is reminded to keep a safe distance of at least 50 feet from the monk seal and at least 150 feet from monk seal mothers with pups.

To report a monk seal in need statewide, call NOAA Fisheries Marine Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-256-9840.