2025 has been another banner year for monk seal pupping in the main Hawaiian Islands, with 35 new pups so far. As the peak pupping season winds down, most of these new pups are thriving and exploring the reefs on their own. Two small pups, though, needed extra help.

Due to quick action by the NOAA team and partners, both pups—RU28 and RU99—are now receiving life-saving care at The Marine Mammal Center’s Hawaiian monk seal hospital, Ke Kai Ola, in Kona, on Hawaiʻi Island.

Pup RU28 rests in a rehabilitation pool pen during treatment at Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital dedicated to the conservation of endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Credit: The Marine Mammal Center (NOAA Fisheries Permit #24359)

This summer, well-known survivor RH38 gave birth to her first pup, RU28, on Kauaʻi. Watching RH38 join the ranks of motherhood was a special experience for everyone involved in the mother seal’s historical care at The Center. The pair spent nearly five weeks together during the 5–7 week nursing period. 

After weaning, RU28 was assessed and NOAA experts determined the pup was underweight and unlikely to survive without intervention. Weight is important because pups rely on their reserves as they learn to feed themselves. NOAA worked with partners to transport RU28 to Ke Kai Ola. NOAA reports the young male is doing great—gaining weight and strength.

Pup RU99 is receiving life-saving care at The Marine Mammal Center’s Hawaiian monk seal hospital, Ke Kai Ola, on Hawaiʻi Island. Credit: The Marine Mammal Center (NOAA Fisheries Permit #24359)

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Pup RU99’s parentage is less known. The young pup was first reported alone, with no mother in sight, on the eastern shoreline of Molokaʻi. Based on size, the male pup was estimated to be almost 2 weeks old. The absence of a mother was a serious concern.

“It’s crucial that Hawaiian monk seal mothers stay with their pups the entire 5–7 week nursing period. Our partners monitored RU99 to see if the mother seal would return. When she did not, we determined a rescue was the pup’s best chance at survival,” NOAA officials said.

NOAA coordinated with partners on the ground to collect RU99 for transport to Ke Kai Ola.

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“The pup is responding positively to care and continuing to grow and develop. We may never know who RU99’s mother is, or why the two separated, but thankfully due to quick reporting and response, the pup has a new outlook on life,” NOAA reports.

Why It Matters

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“These pups’ stories are powerful reminders of how challenging early life can be for monk seals—and for those working to recover them. We’re hopeful that RU28 and RU99 will continue responding well to treatment so they can be released back into the wild once healthy and ready,” NOAA officials said. Partners who helped in the rescue include: The Center, Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response, the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, and community volunteers.  

How You Can Help

Giving seal mothers and pups space during their nursing period is essential—along with reporting seal sightings. Here are three ways to help these protected seals:

Give Hawaiian monk seals space—stay at least 150 feet away from mothers with pups

Report sightings to the statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: 888-256-9840

Spread awareness about respectful seal viewing

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