HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Hawaiian monk seal Rocky (RH58) gave birth to a pup overnight and is resting today with her newborn on a beach at Sand Island State Recreation Area.
DLNR, NOAA, and Hawaii Marine Animal Rescue are collaborating to enforce a safe distance between the public and the seal pair until the pup is weaned in five to seven weeks.
Rocky, known for previously pupping at Kaimana Beach, surprised observers by hauling-out at Sand Island, becoming the first recorded seal to give birth at the popular park.
HMAR staff and volunteers have fenced off the entire cove where the seals are resting, with volunteers educating park users on monk seal behavior and the importance of maintaining a respectful distance.
Curt Cottrell, administrator of the DLNR Division of State Parks, emphasized the need for public cooperation, particularly on busy weekends and holidays at Sand Island SRA.
"We strongly request that people stay outside of the cordons and follow directions from HMAR representatives to keep a safe and respectful distance from the mother and seal pup," Cottrell stated.
The recent death of a pup on the North Shore due to an off-leash dog attack prompted further warnings over off-leash dogs and feral cats at Sand Island as well.
Dogs have been involved in attacks on monk seals, while cats are linked to the spread of Toxoplasmosis, a disease fatal to monk seals.
"We are asking people to stop feeding cats and to leave your dogs at home – dogs are not allowed at Sand Island," Cottrell added.
Hawaiian monk seals, classified as one of the most endangered seals globally, have seen a population increase in the main Hawaiian Islands in recent years, protected under federal and state laws.
Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement are monitoring Rocky and her pup closely.
Rocky, aged 24 and originally from Kauai, has now pupped 15 seals.