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– Post-mortem exam confirms monk seal pup attacked by dog.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
June 4th, 2021
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Courtesy Hawaii Marine Animal Response
A tragic incident has occurred on the North Shore of Oahu, where a newborn monk seal pup named PO7, born to the well-known Hawaiian monk seal Luana, has passed away as a result of a dog attack. Federal wildlife officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have confirmed through a post-mortem exam that the pup suffered from puncture wounds consistent with dog bites, as well as hemorrhaging indicative of shaking from a dog attack.
It is especially devastating to learn that the deceased pup was female, as female seals play a crucial role in the recovery of the endangered species. NOAA Fisheries expressed their sorrow, stating, “PO7 could have grown up to be a monk seal matriarch, birthing generations of new seals. The loss of this pup is a heavy blow to the population and conservation efforts.”
This unfortunate incident marks the third known death of a monk seal in the main Hawaiian Islands due to a dog attack. Last year, pup RS48, also known as Ho’omau Lehua, met a similar fate, as did monk seal pup RFX4 in 2014 on Kauai.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding PO7’s death, with an individual cooperating with authorities. However, further details have not been released at this time.
NOAA urges pet owners across Hawaii to adhere to leash laws to protect monk seals and other native wildlife. Even the most well-trained dog can behave unpredictably when encountering wild animals.
Meanwhile, on a more positive note, monk seal pup Kaiwi and her offspring, Pa’aki, are thriving at Kaimana Beach under the watchful eye of volunteers and state conservation officers from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The pair continue to nurse and bond, with it being over 30 days since the birth of the pup, initially known as PO5.
If you spot a monk seal or witness any injuries or strandings, please report it to NOAA’s marine wildlife hotline at 888-256-9840. For safety issues related to off-leash dogs, contact the DLNR at 808-643-DLNR or through the DLNRTip app.
Let’s all do our part to protect these magnificent creatures and ensure their survival for future generations.
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Post-mortem exam confirms monk seal pup attacked by dog
Monk seal pup attacked by dog.
