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Avian Influenza Detected at Año Nuevo State Park

A small number of young northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park recently tested positive for H5N1, also known as bird flu. This is the first detection of H5N1 in California’s marine mammal population.

The risk of H5N1 to the public remains very low. We’re sharing guidance on how to protect yourself, your pets and marine mammals – and how you can help.

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Elephant seal
Hawaiian monk seal Nihoʻole
endangered

Nihoʻole

Hawaiian Monk Seal
Neomonachus schauinslandi

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This patient is a Hawaiian monk seal, the most endangered marine mammal species in the United States. As a species endemic to Hawai´i, they can only be found in the Main Hawaiian Islands and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. 

We often see stranded monk seals suffering from malnutrition or maternal separation. Other common threats this species faces are disease, predation, entanglement and negative human interactions.



photo © The Marine Mammal Center / NOAA permit #24359

Age at Admit
Pup
Sex
Female
Rescue Location
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Diagnosis
Malnutrition, Trauma, Parasites
Admitted
08/24/2016
Status
Released
Release Date
05/23/2017
Release Location
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Yes, I want to save a life!

Yes, I want to save a life!

You’ll be giving sick and injured animals the best possible care at the Center’s state-of-the-art hospital. With your gift today, you are giving a patient a second chance at life in the wild.

  • $35 You'll buy food for a hungry animal
  • $45 You'll provide life-saving medical care
  • $65 You'll make second chances possible

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