Dana's Report from Kauai July 16th-19th

Hi, I'm Baaack,
Spent 3 long and wonderful days with the "Seals of Kauai" at least several of them. Also had some great outreach working with Earl and local fishermen. The Kauai volunteers are incredible and it was such an honor to work with them.

R5AY, who we all know and love, is the protective Mom as always. Her baby girl is just about a week shy of this Mom's normal weaning date. Mom and pup look very healthy. 5AY isn't nearly as lean and emaciated as we have seen before, but that could change over the next few days. Right now she has quite a bit of bulk still on her and the baby is a fat little inquisitive thing. She was most interested in the signs erected to protect her little fat self. 5AY was also the ever protective Mom with two males swimming around her and the pup on several different occasions. In one of these shots she finally just got tired of dealing with one and chased him away instead of putting up with him sniffing around. He took off pretty quickly when she started coming after him. He came back yesterday, but she set him straight again. Gotta love that Honey Girl.

The other pup, now a weaner, was doing the typical swim and sun program. He was much watched over and looked after by volunteers, even though Mom had gone. Very healthy and inquisitive, when he wasn't snoozing. Had some funny moments getting in and out of the water off the shelf.

We had several HMSRTO Volunteers dedicate their time and finances to assist our friends on Kauai, they were treated with great respect and received with warm Aloha. Thank you.

Thanks,
Dana