A Message from David Schofield NOAA/NMFS/PIRO

The following is an official update message from David Schofield NOAA/NMFS/PIRO. Some of you have heard this update already, but for those of you that didn't know the whole story here's the official update. Included are some photos taken during the release of K36 (Kauai Kolohe) 

K36 "Kolohe":

• Recovered well from the de-hooking procedure at Waikiki Aquarium despite initial concerns that he was fighting an infection and pneumonia.
• On Monady, May 2, he was transported from Oahu to Kauai on a USCG C-130.
• Bob Braun, DVM, and Michele Bane (NMFS Kauai Response Coordinator) flew with the seal who was released at Salt Ponds beach at 16:35 on the same day (Mon, May 2.). 
• The seal is fitted with temporary tracking tags (cell phone tag and spot (satellite) tag) for tracking and follow up if needed.

T15M "Sharkbite":

• Sharkbite had to be humanely euthanized on Saturday (May 19) at Waikiki Aquarium due to infection and necrosis of the surgical site and associated deteriorating health.
• The gross necropsy revealed that area of the hooking at the cardiac sphincter of the stomach-esophagus junction had healed quickly, however, an area about as big in diameter as a dime had opened at the surgical site due to necrotic ends causing a "dehiscence" (a surgical complication in which a wound breaks open along surgical suturing).  The seal's advanced age (at least 27 years old) probably was a factor in his poor recovery after surgery.
• The volunteer network was notified and many were saddened but understood the seal's options and condition. The remains of the seal will be cremated and a ceremony will be held at White Plains in the near future.

RK96 "Kaiwi"

• Still have not been able to capture her, but we are ready to do so and treat her as soon as see presents herself in a location where we can safely capture her and bring her in for treatment.  
• We have stepped up surveillance and we believe she is still around Oahu.
• The good news is that she has been sighted out in the water acting normally, but just not hauling out in a place where she can be captured. 
• If the situation remains unchanged, we would bring her in for an X-ray at Waikiki Aquarium and proceed with de-hooking and/or other treatment as necessary.

Acknowledging Partnerships

• Handling these hookings has been very labor and resource intensive and we could not be doing it without significant support and leadership from several partners.  These include, but are not limited to: DLNR and the State HIHWNMS staff, Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu Zoo, the response volunteers (HMSRTO and Kauai Volunteers), Vancouver Aquarium, USCG Air Station Barbers Point, The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC), Dr. Bob Braun, Dr. Marty Haulena, and Dr. Francis Gulland. 

Enjoy the following photos documenting K36's arrival back to Kauai.

 And here he is fitted with a cell tag

 Looks like he wants out!

 This has to be one of the best feeling, releasing an animal back to the wild. One of those times when you just know this is the way it's suppose to be!