Three weeks ago, we shared a scientific journal that published a paper on the first detection of polymastia in a Mediterranean monk seal. Then, last week, a report to the Kauai Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation Hui resulted in this photo of an Hawaiian monk seal female with, possibly, five nipples (circled in orange).
This is the first known sighting of this untagged seal. She’s suspected to be a sub-adult, likely never pupped yet, so it’s unknown whether all five nipples express milk.
The existence of extra mammary glands is a condition known as polymastia.
Note: The yellow circle is believed to be a scar, not a nipple.
Hawaiian monk seals have been studied for over 30 years. Yet the discoveries and learning continue every day.
Kaua'i Seals 