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The New York Times: Scientists Begin Testing Bird Flu Vaccine in Seals

In response to the increasing threat of bird flu, marine mammal researchers are hoping to provide a life-saving, preventative vaccine for endangered Hawaiian monk seals. 

Learn how researchers at The Marine Mammal Center are studying the bird flu vaccine in elephant seals as a similar species, as well as our next steps to protect Hawaiian monk seals.

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Northern elephant seal
Hawaiian monk seal R7AF
endangered

R7AF

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
Juvenile
Sex
Male
Rescue Location
Hanauma Bay - Honolulu, Oahu
Diagnosis
Malnutrition, Trauma, Human interaction
Admitted
01/28/2022
Status
Released
Release Date
02/02/2022
Release Location
Oahu

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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