Honey Girl the Hawaiian Monk Seal has a Baby!
- Species conservation
Just a year after her release, rehabilitated Hawaiian monk seal Honey Girl gives birth to a healthy pup.
Say “hello” to Honey Girl’s new pup, the first Hawaiian monk seal born in 2014. Honey Girl (also known as R5AY by the flipper tag researchers attached to her when she was young) was rescued in critical condition just 13 months ago with a fishing hook lodged in her cheek. After a delicate surgical procedure and 13 days of rehabilitative care under the direction of The Marine Mammal Center staff and other collaborative partners, Honey Girl was returned to the wild where she has since thrived.
The researchers monitoring Honey Girl know that she has given birth to six pups over the years, and this year she returned to her usual spot at Turtle Bay on the island of Oahu to bring her newest pup into the world. She’s been a great mom so far, nursing and tending to her new pup, and her previous pup has been staying close by as well.
Honey Girl is expected to nurse for about eight weeks, during which time the pup will double or triple in weight. We’ll continue to monitor Honey Girl and her young one, as every pup is important for the continued survival of this critically endangered species.
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