A few weeks back, I posted (here) about a new monk seal pup that had recently been born on the Big Island. I’m happy to report that the mother and pup both continue to do well.
The pup is now about six weeks old and is much closer in size to his mother than he was in the previous post. It’s likely that his mother, RA20, will soon leave him to fend for himself. She has lost a lot of weight and is also looking quite green on her head and flippers, so she will head out to feed and then to molt.
The pup’s sister, Manu’iwa, has been a regular visitor to the area, but the mother is very protective and drives her away. Once the mother leaves, it’s likely that the two siblings will spend some time together in the area. Eventually, the new pup will head out on his own and make his own way.
Manu’iwa has had a very good first year, which is often a very testing time for a new monk seal. Hopefully, the new pup will be equally successful and be another step toward boosting the endangered monk seal population to more sustainable levels.
I’m posting this in response to this week’s Friendly Friday challenge on the theme of ‘Posing.’ (More responses here.) The top photo in particular could easily have the caption, ‘That’s my boy.’
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Awww that is just so cute! I love the first photo ❤
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Thanks. It’s great to see the two of them doing so well.
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Endearing pics and good news! Thanks,
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Good news indeed. I hope the little fellow continues to do well.
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Such great shots of the seal, Graham! Nice to read they are both thriving!
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I suspect the mom will move on in the next day or two if she hasn’t already done so. I might try and visit again next week to see if I can get photos of the siblings, assuming they’re there.
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They look happy and well – this post has me smiling!
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Me too. It’s a situation where the numbers are such that each animal’s welfare is important to the survival of the species. To see the two of them doing well is very uplifting.
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