KAILUA-KONA – The Marine Mammal Center, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, has admitted another endangered monk seal at its hospital and visitor center in Kailua-Kona.
The successful rescue of Mele, a young female seal, was made possible thanks to the Center’s partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Coast Guard and the Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) team. As an essential business operating during the ongoing pandemic, the Center is committed to continuing its core mission work that includes conservation of threatened and endangered species.
The team from HMAR and NOAA researchers have been monitoring Mele on O‘ahu and nearby islets since mid-November due to her poor body condition, unusual for a main Hawaiian Islands seal. NOAA experts decided to rescue and transport Mele directly to The Marine Mammal Center where veterinarians will stabilize her, look for underlying conditions that might explain her body condition, and provide long-term rehabilitative care. On Sunday, Feb. 7, Mele was airlifted and transferred to the Center for further rehabilitation via a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 aircraft, the safest and fastest mode of transport during the pandemic.
During her initial critical care period, Center experts noted that Mele was moderately malnourished but is alert and active. The Center’s veterinary team also took a series of blood samples and plan to start the animal on deworming medication to help spur future weight gain.
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February 24, 2021 at 05:05PM
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O'ahu monk seal goes to the hospital - The Garden Island
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