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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.

Learn more
Elephant seal
Hawaiian monk seal Kilo
endangered

Kilo

Hawaiian Monk Seal
Neomonachus schauinslandi

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Our first patient rescued from the Main Hawaiian Islands, Kilo was found orphaned and starving on the privately owned island of Niʻihau, southwest of Kauaʻi.

Kilo was brought to Ke Kai Ola, our Hawaiian monk seal hospital, where our veterinarians found that she weighed just 37 pounds—close to birth weight for a Hawaiian monk seal. She was initially fed fish-mash smoothies until she was able to transition to eating whole fish.

After seven months of care, Kilo gained more than 100 pounds and was released in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands where she will help rebuild this endangered population.

Adopt Kilo



photo © The Marine Mammal Center / NOAA permit #18786

Age at Admit
Pup
Sex
Female
Rescue Location
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Diagnosis
Malnutrition, Maternal separation
Admitted
09/08/2015
Status
Released
Release Date
04/27/2016
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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