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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
endangered

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
Mahaulapu Beach - Poipu, Kauai
Diagnosis
Malnutrition, Trauma - hi
Admitted
08/24/2025
Status
Released
Release Date
09/07/2025
Release Location
Mahaulepu beach

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