Rising Tide Images
Swim Practice
Mom takes her 12-day old pup for a swimming lesson in a shoreline tide pool sheltered from the breaking south shore surf. This was the eleventh pup born on Oahu in 2026. The ‘ōlelo Hawai’i name for monk seals is "ilio holo i ka uaua" meaning "dog that runs in rough water." Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the arrival of humans and before the current 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. It’s always great to welcome a healthy new pup!
Swim Practice
Mom takes her 12-day old pup for a swimming lesson in a shoreline tide pool sheltered from the breaking south shore surf. This was the eleventh pup born on Oahu in 2026. The ‘ōlelo Hawai’i name for monk seals is "ilio holo i ka uaua" meaning "dog that runs in rough water." Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the arrival of humans and before the current 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. It’s always great to welcome a healthy new pup!