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Hawaiian Monk Seal Release Big Island Now
Hawaiian monk seals Mele and RK58 recently got a lift back to their home islands on Oahu and Kauai, thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Last Friday, the Coast Guard helped National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration staff airlift the two young seals aboard a C-130 aircraft back to their home bases to release them back into the ocean.
Both had been under the care of Ke Kai Ola, the Hawaiian monk seal hospital run by The Marine Mammal Center in Kailua-Kona. After responding well to treatment, both had passed their physicals, allowing NOAA and its partners to coordinate their release.
“To return two Main Hawaiian Island seals back to their ocean home is an incredible success story with the survival of each individual critical to the recovery of the population,” said Dr. Cara Field, Medical Director at The Marine Mammal Center, in a news release. “This success story highlights the importance of our ongoing partnerships to help give these animals a second chance at life and save this species.”
Wildlife officials rescued Mele, a young female seal from Oahu, in early February, and took her to Ke Kai Ola because she appeared malnourished. About a week later, officials also rescued Hawaiian monk seal RK58, a young male seal on Kauai, after he was seen with injuries suspected to have come from a dog attack.
Vets at Ke Kai Ola found that RK58 suffered from infected puncture wounds to his head, neck and flipper, and a small bone fracture in his left, front flipper. He was also underweight.
Both seals were fed a steady diet during their time at the hospital, and their overall body condition improved — with Mele nearly doubling her weight.
Hawaiian monk seals, which are endemic, meaning only found in Hawaii, are a critically endangered species protected by state and federal laws.
“There’s only about 1,400 Hawaiian monk seals left on the planet,” said David Schofield, NOAA’s Pacific Islands stranding coordinator in a video, “so being able to rehabilitate them, get them back to health and then release them back to their natal island so they can contribute to the reproductive fitness of the population is of the utmost importance for the recovery of the species.”
Officials estimate that about 30% of monk seals are alive today as a result of conservation efforts led by NOAA and The Marine Mammal Center.
To report monk seal sightings and seals in distress, call NOAA’s statewide hotline at 888-256-9840.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Funds managed by SK Capital Partners LP, a private investment firm focused on the specialty materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors, completed the previously announced acquisition of the Blow-Fill-Seal ("BFS") Sterile Contract Development and Manufacturing business from Catalent Pharma Solutions, LLC. The business has been renamed Woodstock Sterile Solutions (“Woodstock” or the “Company ”), reflecting its long-standing, rich heritage in the Woodstock, Illinois community.
Woodstock is a leading BFS sterile contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that operates out of a single site in Woodstock, Illinois, focusing on complex clinical to commercial stage formulation and manufacturing. The Company supports a global, blue-chip customer base with a broad array of products that leverage its BFS sterile manufacturing capabilities and formulation competency in complex chemistries, including small molecule, biologics, macromolecules and potent compounds.
Woodstock has also announced the appointment of Paul Josephs as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Josephs comes to Woodstock having most recently served as Head of Contract Development & Manufacturing and Global Business Development at Mylan, a global generic and specialty pharmaceuticals company. Previously, Mr. Josephs held several leadership roles at DPT Laboratories.
Aaron Davenport, a Managing Director of SK Capital, stated, “We are excited to launch Woodstock Sterile Solutions as an independent company, building on its decades of experience in serving commercial and development customers. We are delighted that Paul Josephs is joining to lead the very capable Woodstock team. Paul is a CDMO industry veteran who brings sterile production experience and contemporary leadership skills to ensure an environment committed to operational excellence, customer delight, innovation and a partnership-driven approach for Woodstock’s customers, suppliers and employees.”
“I am truly honored and excited to lead an organization with the heritage and potential of Woodstock,” said Mr. Josephs. “I look forward to partnering with SK Capital, the executive team and all Woodstock associates to leverage the Company’s unique sterile manufacturing capabilities, strong market position and exceptional talent to execute our growth strategy. The BFS and sterile manufacturing markets are significant growth areas in our industry and together we have a great opportunity to positively impact the lives of countless patients, domestically and abroad.”
Debt financing was provided by Cerberus Business Finance, LLC. Mizuho Securities served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to SK Capital. RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisor and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as legal counsel to Catalent.
About SK Capital
SK Capital is a private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors. The firm seeks to build strong and growing businesses that create substantial long-term economic value. SK Capital utilizes its industry, operating and investment experience to identify opportunities to transform businesses into higher performing organizations with improved strategic positioning, growth and profitability as well as lower operating risk. SK Capital’s portfolio of businesses generates revenues of approximately $11 billion annually, employs more than 15,000 people globally and operates 137 plants in 28 countries. The firm currently has greater than $5 billion of assets under management. For more information, please visit www.skcapitalpartners.com.
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