1/23/2010 A Monk Moment

Aloha Blog Lady,

Greetings from the Kalaupapa Overlook. Behind me you see the peninsula of Kalaupapa, this place is famous for several reasons. The most obvious is St Damien and the other involves us Hawaiian Monk Seals. You see, the area behind me is known to the volunteers here,as the "monk seal nursery" This past year 6 monk seal pups (3 males/3 females)were born and in 2008 there were 7 pups. Kp2 even spent a little time exploring this area. It is a sheltered area that is safe, nice quiet beaches and lots of tide pools to learn the basics of monk seal survival. Simply, a perfect place for monk seal moms to have and raise their pups. We are looking forward to another great pupping season at the monk seal nursery, which should be starting in just a few short months.

We have received some sad news from Kalaupapa today. Yesterday, while NPS biologist Eric was doing his weekly seal trek he found a still born monk seal in one of the tide pools. Mom, RV10 was right near the still born pup. RV10 is a 5 year seal, which makes her the second youngest known seal to give birth. (RI15 is the youngest) NOAA officials will be preforming a necropsy tomorrow to determine the cause of death.

Every death of these endangered animals is so heartbreaking. That's why it's SO important that the MONK SEAL STORY is told and shared by all that live and enjoy the Hawaiian Islands.

Till next time,
Monk