February 24, 2023 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Nearly 6 years ago, Hawaiian monk seal RH58 (Rocky) surprised us all and gave birth to a female pup on a busy, high-traffic beach in Waikīkī. Now, that world-famous pup RJ58 (Kaimana) is raising a pup of her own, but in a much quieter location.
On January 28, 2023, Kaimana gave birth to the first pup of 2023 in the main Hawaiian Islands. Peak pupping season usually begins in spring, so this early start is a welcome surprise.
Our partners at Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response (HMAR) have been on site each day monitoring the pair since Kaimana gave birth. They were even there to witness the birth!
“We’ve been observing a lot of nursing and swimming behavior from the pair,” said Jon Gelman, HMAR president. “We’ll continue to be in the area until after Kaimana leaves, and the pup begins to venture off by itself.”
HMAR has been busy off the beach, too, working with Kahuku Elementary School’s fifth grade class to gift the pup a Hawaiian name. The students selected the name Uʻi Mea Ola, or Uʻi for short. It means “beautiful survivor.” One of the reasons the students gifted this name was that the pup was born safely during the moon phase ʻOle Kū Lua, known for high tides and rough conditions.
“Our goal with each naming is for the students, teachers and surrounding communities to learn a bit more about Hawaiian monk seals, their importance and conservation,” said Emily Greene, HMAR’s education manager. “In addition, we hope that these students feel a sense of kuleana, or responsibility, to care for and conserve not only the pup they name but all monk seals and marine life.”