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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
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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