Today was the day, after 41 days of caring and nursing her pup, RK13 left in search of a seafood buffet. Her job of giving her all to her beautiful pup was complete. Our first Kauai pup is now a weaner!!
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| Nice and pump.....well done momma, well done!! |
I arrived at the site early this morning as the pair was playing and exploring the near shore waters. A short time later the pair hauled out to rest. RK13 would occasionally left her head to check on her silly pup blowing bubbles in a shallow tide pool. The tide was rising, I watched as mom changed her position, she was now faced toward the open water, she glanced over her shoulder to the pup and tried to make her exit. However her attentive pup realized mom was on the move and followed. K13 vocalized a few times as the pair swirled around in the surf. I saw momma lift her head and give what would be her final vocalization...it was time for her to go. PK1 swam intently looking for momma, but was unable to keep up. Mom was gone and we now have a weaner!!
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| found her first toy as a weaner---a stick!! |
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so expressive
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| Mom and pup last hour together |
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| right before mom left |
Our sweet girl is all alone to face the world. The next few weeks will be interesting for volunteers as they follow and try to keep up with our new ocean explorer. She'll soon have sea cucumber goo on her face, she'll play with coral, sticks and unfortunately probably find some marine debris, but all of that is part of a life of a monk seal weaner. Momma has gone to find food, she gave her all to that chubby pup and now it's time to focus on her nutrition (41 days without food is a long time)
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| you can see mom has given her all, time to find some tako!! |
In the next week or so our little girl will get her bling. As far as I know, she will have no name, she will known by her official NOAA id.
Sorry my photos are a bit washed out, taken facing the sun. Hopefully I've have some better shots tomorrow as my shift is later in the day and the sun will be behind me.
What fun to watch as mom and pup went their separate ways...just the way nature planned it.
Want to give a shout out to Surfrider Kauai for their beach cleanup in the area today. 45 volunteers removed over 1100 pounds of marine debris....debris this little monk will not get herself into trouble with.
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| our future, this little guy helping clean our seal's beach |
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| Thanks Surfrider |
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| No seals allowed :) |
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| our little monk is free from this debris |
Tomorrow's a new day!!!
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| a hui hou |
Val :)
Please note: all photos are my personal property,
they may not be copied or shared without my permission.
Mahalo.
