Rising Tide Images
Mom & Pup
A five-day old Hawaiian monk seal pup stays close to mom on the shoreline. The tenth pup born on Oahu in 2024. After a morning feeding, mom and pup relax on the beach in the warming sun. Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the human populated main volcanic islands emerged above sea level. The original seal-occupied islands have since receded to coral atolls and are now part of Papahānaumokuākea. A recently updated survey estimate by NOAA indicates a small, but encouraging, population increase to 1,570 individuals throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. However, Hawaiian monk seals remain endangered and among the rarest of marine mammals. The Hawaiian name for a monk seal is ilio holo i ka uaua meaning dog that runs in rough seas.
Mom & Pup
A five-day old Hawaiian monk seal pup stays close to mom on the shoreline. The tenth pup born on Oahu in 2024. After a morning feeding, mom and pup relax on the beach in the warming sun. Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the human populated main volcanic islands emerged above sea level. The original seal-occupied islands have since receded to coral atolls and are now part of Papahānaumokuākea. A recently updated survey estimate by NOAA indicates a small, but encouraging, population increase to 1,570 individuals throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. However, Hawaiian monk seals remain endangered and among the rarest of marine mammals. The Hawaiian name for a monk seal is ilio holo i ka uaua meaning dog that runs in rough seas.