It saddens us to report that our oldest seal, TT40, passed away sometime between the evening of 11/10 and 0500 on 11/12. TT40 was at least 27 years old, and provided amazing learning experiences for veterinarians, researchers, response staff and volunteers alike throughout his life. It’s likely that we have him to thank for quite a few of the younger generation of seals around here, too. TT40 originated from Laysan island in the NWHI, and has been on Kauai since the mid-1990s. In 2004, he swallowed a large hook and was transported to Oahu for successful surgery to remove the hook. He lived through four sets of flipper tags! He was a favorite of many. TT40 has been showing his age for quite some time – you may recall that his molt started but never finished at the beginning of this year. He was spotted by a fisher in the wee hours of the morning.
TT40
Special thanks to all of the volunteers and members of the public who helped to carry TT40 from the beach. Thanks to our whole necropsy team too – our veterinarian, PIFSC scientist, PIRO response coordinators, and volunteers! Finally, thanks to everyone who helped take care of TT40 throughout his long life.
We have not determined TT40′s cause of death, but it appeared to be a result of his age. We may learn more from the pathology results. He will be cremated and returned to the ocean.
