Monk Seal Dailies: Weekly Weaner Brotherly Spat

Earlier this week I received an email from posse pal Dana Jones sharing her experience while visiting with brothers Holokai RG40 and Kahulu RJ16 at Turtle Bay. Thank you Dana for sharing. I have also included a photo taken by Melody Bentz that same day that shows the results of Holokai's pestering his little brother!

Just wanted to share an observation of a seal incident at the elbow at Turtle Bay on Saturday, 11/11, around 3pm.  After observing these animals napping for a good portion of my visit, G40/Holokai woke up and started being a pest to his half brother RJ16/Kahuluokalae.  RJ16 moved away several times, but G40 would not give up.  RK36 was sleeping a few feet away.

G40 continued to pursue RJ16 and even climbed on top of his rear flippers and about half way up his back.  RJ16 kept moving away, but G40 would not quit his behavior.  About the 3rd time, RJ16 did a quick turn around nip and growl, a little posturing and G40 moved away.

About 5 minutes later I noticed what looked like blood on his nose.  Sure enough he looked up and through the binoculars I could definitely see a bloodied muzzle.  G40 went over and nudged RK36.  G40 then went to the waters edge and stuck his nose in and rolled into the water and was doing some flipper muzzle rubbing.  About a minute later he decided to enter the water completely.  RK36 joined him and they spent about 30 minutes doing normal seal stuff out in the water.