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Avian Influenza and Our Seal Response Operations

We are pleased to report that the Center is resuming our seal response operations. To prioritize health and safety amidst avian influenza, we are taking a phased approach, initially reopening in Monterey and San Luis Obispo areas.

The Center continues to test all incoming animals for influenza and has had no cases among our patients to date.

See our latest updates about avian influenza and marine mammals, including how you can help.

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Elephant seals
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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