Hawaiian Monk Seal and Pup, June, 2008
At Waiale'e Beach on the North Shore of O'ahu, a Hawai'ian Monk Seal gave birth to a sweet little pup in early May, 2008. These photos were shot June 12th. The pup is very black when wet. As it dries, and if it's cloudy, it appears brown.
"The birth of two more pups is fantastic news!" remarked David Schofield, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Region Marine Mammal Response Coordinator. "Because the monk seal population is declining at an alarming rate, every birth is precious. We're trying desperately to ensure monk seals do not become extinct like their counterparts in the Caribbean."
The two births brings the total number of seals born in the main Hawaiian Islands to ten, compared to seven last year.
NOAA officials say they are expecting several more births in the coming months because they have already identified several pregnant females.
Monk seals usually give birth between February and July with births peaking in the months of April, May and June.
Unfortunately, I was shooting into the sun. I had to 'hide' in order to shoot without disturbing the seals.
Read More"The birth of two more pups is fantastic news!" remarked David Schofield, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Region Marine Mammal Response Coordinator. "Because the monk seal population is declining at an alarming rate, every birth is precious. We're trying desperately to ensure monk seals do not become extinct like their counterparts in the Caribbean."
The two births brings the total number of seals born in the main Hawaiian Islands to ten, compared to seven last year.
NOAA officials say they are expecting several more births in the coming months because they have already identified several pregnant females.
Monk seals usually give birth between February and July with births peaking in the months of April, May and June.
Unfortunately, I was shooting into the sun. I had to 'hide' in order to shoot without disturbing the seals.
