Rising Tide Images
Muzzle Nuzzle
A 22-day old monk seal pup gives mom a sneeze inducing nuzzle after a morning swimming lesson. It is the tenth pup born on Oahu in 2024 and fifteenth pup of this female. Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the present 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 recent survey by NOAA estimated 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.
Muzzle Nuzzle
A 22-day old monk seal pup gives mom a sneeze inducing nuzzle after a morning swimming lesson. It is the tenth pup born on Oahu in 2024 and fifteenth pup of this female. Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the present 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 recent survey by NOAA estimated 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.