The following message is from Dana Jones, Volunteer Response Coordinator...
Aloha Volunteers of Oahu,
We are sad to report the death of R017/Lona here on Oahu. Lona was a hi-profile and much loved seal from Maui/Molokai. Very much like our own R5AY/Honey Girl. As you can imagine it is a loss for all the monk seal Ohana.Tracy Wurth and Nicole Davis confirmed that this was an adult female R017 aka "Lona". She was a well known seal on Maui, Oahu and Kalaupapa, Molokai. She was fist identified as a unique individual in the MHI in 2003. She was already adult sized at that point and was reproducing, so our best estimate at age is at least 16 years old. She has given birth to 9 pups in her lifetime and all were born at Kalaupapa, Molokai. She primarily frequented the islands of Oahu and Maui. From her previous birthing cycle, she would have given birth in August but a necropsy will reveal if she was pregnant.
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6 comments:
We met Lona on Maili Beach back in 07. Kids were tossing rocks at her and her male friend, Benny. At the time we KNEW of Monk Seals, but, we werent involved with any monk seal groups, Just the Hawaiian Humpwhale National Marine Sanctuary. Knew of a man who took care of seals. My friend June Kawamata knew this seal whisperer, and SHE contacted the seal guy. He in turn contacted US.
Asked us to take photos and send them to HIM. We did. Db in turn told us all about Benny and LONA. How cool is this we thought.
A lady came to Maili Beach Park, brought signs out..no ropes. She asked us to watch out for the seals, if they leave contact NOAA and let them know the seals left and to gather the signs for her. She would come back for the signs.
Well we spent two days watching out for this Lovely Female..LONA and the handsome stud, Benny. It was an exciting time for us. We took so many pictures of Lona, which I will treasure forever. She was a big girl, benny was so attentive with her. They would leave late evening on the second day of our watch...the sun setting, they galumphed off together in the sunset...so precious a time for us.
We met other times but we had to drive out to Kaupo to visit with her thanks to DB's calls. Once we met her on Maui as well.
DB would send me photos of her travels, letting me know where she was and I thank you for that DB.
On a last meeting with Lona, we spotted her at WHITE PLAINS, at 1775, Feb 25 2014. I didnt recognize her..called DB The Seal Whisperer..I discribed seal to him, HE WENT, BARBARA SOUNDS LIKE LONA!!
Rob and I were thrilled she was back with us, we took a watch and decided to call DIane T. to come down and MEET LONA. Diane took a watch with this great big Hawaiian Monk Seal. Lucky Diane got to see her leave as we were with other seals.
God bless you Miss Lona, you touched our hearts, you gave us many pups which I didnt know about..until reading the BLOG.
We will miss you..now you are free to be a Hawaiian Monk Seal and roam the oceans in PEACE. We are honored and blessed to have met you....flipper hugs.
Oh I just remembered, we last saw Lona at Keau's Beach Park on Feb 26 2014....
Who would know that would be .... our LAST TIME SEEING HER.
It was because of Lona...and Benny we became Monk Seal Responders...THANK YOU VERY MUCH LONA AND BENNY.
One last note, we found Benny yesterday, so I spent my time sitting with him, and telling him in my mind, LONA WAS GONE......AMEN.
On a cold and rainy late Monday afternoon (Mar 03,2014),on my way back home after an all day shift at TBR, I responded to a seal hauled out at Chuns/NS.
On a very narrow stretch of beach, a beautiful big seal was belly down in front of me. No tags. So I looked for scars and other marks, couldn't see a thing. I waited for a break between big sets of winter waves to peep sideway from the waterline. A bigger wave helped me, making the seal move a little and then I saw that little white bleach line on her left side and the pit scar on her back. What a surprise to ID "Lona". I hadn't seen her for ages.
To all involved on the beach and at the office, for our last response to her this week, a big thank you for the trust and support.
To all the volunteers, staff, beach goers that have monitored R017 "Lona" over the years my deepest sympathy, you're in my thoughts and prayers.
She will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Aloha,
Lesley
So sorry to hear about Lona.
RIP Lona
The first time I saw Lona was at Shark's Cove. She was lying among the rocks where people were snorkeling. I called DB to get help with the ID. She gave one snorkeler a terrible fright when he unknowingly swam up to her as we tried to warn him. The picture of him flying backward will always be a memory. I was fortunate to see Lona many times after that at Turtle Bay. She was such a big, beautiful seal with a gorgeous dark grey coat. It makes me sad to think I won't see her again. RIP, Lona.
The first time I saw Lona was at Shark's Cove. She was lying among the rocks where people were snorkeling. I called DB to get help with the ID. She gave one snorkeler a terrible fright when he unknowingly swam up to her as we tried to warn him. The picture of him flying backward will always be a memory. I was fortunate to see Lona many times after that at Turtle Bay. She was such a big, beautiful seal with a gorgeous dark grey coat. It makes me sad to think I won't see her again. RIP, Lona.
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