Monk seal pup thriving after move from Kaimana to a secluded beach
The famous monk seal pup of Kaimana Beach, Koalani, is enjoying his new life on a quieter beach.
In 2017, Koalani’s mother, Rocky, first gave birth at Kaimana Beach — she has had 12 other pups on Kauai. This year, Rocky gave birth to Koalani in July. However, the beach is often full of people and the protective mother monk seal bit a swimmer who got too close. On Aug. 3, after the attack, DLNR established a 50-yard cordon around Rocky and Koalani; DOCARE officers watched over the monk seals as concerns grew about their fans crowding the pair.
After Koalani was weaned, NOAA officials moved the pup on Aug. 18 to an unnamed, secluded beach on Oahu.
