T12 wakes up from a nap just long enough to scratch his face.
Our first Kauai pup of the year, male RT12, is weaned, tagged, chubby, healthy, and exploring. He has found some companionship in adult male RK02; they are often hauled out on the beach together.
T12 shows off his new bling.
Our second pup is also weaned and healthy. He is also a confirmed male! This little boy was too busy playing in the water to get tagged at our last attempt, so keep your eyes out for a relatively short and fat untagged pup! We would love another opportunity to tag him before he grows up and begins to look like so many other young seals around the island!
‘Tis the season for more pups, too! Females RK13, Temp 365, R5AY, and large unidentified female with a distinctive white “chin” area are all likely pregnant and pupping this summer!
Momona (RA20) and Noho (RA16) both celebrated their first birthdays this month, and both seals were spotted on their respective birthdays! It’s wonderful to see these kids growing up healthy!!
Mahalo-eha (RA36), our 7-month-old Maha’ulepu pup, has been hanging out along the east shore these days, often seen at Nukoli’i and Fuji Beaches.
One unidentified adult male seal was fitted with a cell-phone tag by the NOAA PIFSC team on June 9, 2010. The tag records GPS data and depth to help us understand the seals’ movement and foraging behavior. The seal also now has flipper tags 6FA/6FB, and his tag tells us that he headed straight for Oahu after receiving his tag.
RO28 has received her Hawaiian name: she is “Pohaku“, which means “rock.” Pohaku frequently hauls out in the rocky areas around Poipu. She is also a “rock” for our monk seal population – a healthy female, and daughter of RK06, another beloved strong female seal.
Kaua'i Seals 