{"id":184295,"date":"2025-08-29T10:09:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T10:09:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/184295\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T10:09:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T10:09:11","slug":"two-endangered-hawaiian-monk-seal-pups-receiving-life-saving-care-maui-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/184295\/","title":{"rendered":"Two endangered Hawaiian monk seal pups receiving life-saving care : Maui Now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

2025 has been another banner year for monk seal pupping in the main Hawaiian Islands, with 35 new pups so far. As the peak pupping season winds down, most of these new pups are thriving and exploring the reefs on their own. Two small pups, though, needed extra help.<\/p>\n

Due to quick action by the NOAA team and partners, both pups\u2014RU28 and RU99\u2014are now receiving life-saving care at The Marine Mammal Center\u2019s Hawaiian monk seal hospital, Ke Kai Ola, in Kona, on Hawai\u02bbi Island.<\/p>\n

\"\"Pup RU28 rests in a rehabilitation pool pen during treatment at Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center\u2019s hospital dedicated to the conservation of endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Credit: The Marine Mammal Center (NOAA Fisheries Permit #24359)<\/p>\n

This summer, well-known survivor RH38 gave birth to her first pup, RU28, on Kaua\u02bbi. Watching RH38 join the ranks of motherhood was a special experience for everyone involved in the mother seal\u2019s\u00a0historical care at The Center<\/a>. The pair spent nearly five weeks together during the 5\u20137 week nursing period.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After weaning, RU28 was assessed and NOAA experts determined the pup was underweight and unlikely to survive without intervention. Weight is important because pups rely on their reserves as they learn to feed themselves. NOAA worked with partners to transport RU28 to Ke Kai Ola. NOAA reports the young male is doing great\u2014gaining weight and strength.<\/p>\n

\"\"Pup RU99 is receiving life-saving care at The Marine Mammal Center\u2019s Hawaiian monk seal hospital, Ke Kai Ola, on Hawai\u02bbi Island. Credit: The Marine Mammal Center (NOAA Fisheries Permit #24359)<\/p>\n

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Pup RU99\u2019s parentage is less known. The young pup was first reported alone, with no mother in sight, on the eastern shoreline of Moloka\u02bbi. Based on size, the male pup was estimated to be almost 2 weeks old. The absence of a mother was a serious concern. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s crucial that Hawaiian monk seal mothers stay with their pups the entire\u00a05\u20137 week nursing period<\/a>. Our partners monitored RU99 to see if the mother seal would return. When she did not, we determined a rescue was the pup\u2019s best chance at survival,\u201d NOAA officials said. <\/p>\n

NOAA coordinated with partners on the ground to collect RU99 for transport to Ke Kai Ola.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe pup is responding positively to care and continuing to grow and develop. We may never know who RU99\u2019s mother is, or why the two separated, but thankfully due to quick reporting and response, the pup has a new outlook on life,\u201d NOAA reports. <\/p>\n

Why It Matters<\/p>\n

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\u201cThese pups\u2019 stories are powerful reminders of how challenging early life can be for monk seals\u2014and for those working to recover them. We\u2019re hopeful that RU28 and RU99 will continue responding well to treatment so they can be released back into the wild once healthy and ready,\u201d NOAA officials said. Partners who helped in the rescue include: The Center, Hawai\u02bbi Marine Animal Response, the Hawai\u02bbi Department of Land and Natural Resources, and community volunteers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

How You Can Help<\/p>\n

Giving seal mothers and pups space during their nursing period is essential\u2014along with reporting seal sightings. Here are three ways to help these protected seals:<\/p>\n