HONOLULU (KHON2) — Flipping adorable! The pup, born to RL70 between the Mokulua Islets and Kaʻōhao has been given the name Kaiolena.
The name came from Kaʻōhao Public Charter School students. It is the traditional name for the ocean channel between the Mokulua Islets and Kaʻōhao.
The students shared that they hope this area continues to be a safe and nurturing home as the pup grows older.
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“Monk seals give birth year-round, but March through August is when we see the majority of these adorable—and endangered—pups make their debut,” said Brian Neilson, administrator of the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR).
As cute as they might be, monk seal pups and their mothers need plenty of space to rest and bond. DLNR officials said that mothers nurse their pups for about five to seven weeks before they head off on their own. This short but vital period of time is when they need us to do our part.
If you come across any monk seal in the water or on land, it is required that you give at least 150 feet of space.
Keep your dog leashed on the beach because you never know where a seal may be.
Report all seal sightings to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: 888-256-9840.