APRIL 2010  ~ New Teachers and a New Classroom

Hō‘ailona’s “Teachers”

Over the past two years, Hō‘ailona has had many people dedicated to his care and well being.  As a fragile abandoned newborn pup on Kaua‘i, and as an active juvenile seal around the island of Moloka‘i, state and federal response coordinators, and numerous caring volunteers and island residents watched over Hō‘ailona during his time in the wild.  While in captive care in Hawai‘i, people from The Marine Mammal Center based in California and from all over the state of Hawai‘i have been involved with his rehabilitation.  These extremely dedicated volunteers spent countless hours observing, feeding, and doing everything possible to assure Hō‘ailona would complete his rehabilitation successfully.  Additionally, an extremely specialized team of veterinarians were involved in making sure Hō‘ailona received only the best health care.   The great support provided by the people at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and the Waikiki Aquarium was also invaluable.

Even though Hō‘ailona has now moved to Santa Cruz, California, he has not left the security of this type of dedication and care.  Another team of extremely devoted volunteers has received the torch passed on by the Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, and O‘ahu (www.hmsrto.org) volunteers and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service.  The volunteers in Santa Cruz are undergraduates or recent graduates of UC Santa Cruz who work for the Marine Mammal Physiology Project (www.mmpp.ucsc.edu) under the direction of Dr. Terrie Williams.  Additionally, there are two paid full time staff members to mentor the volunteers

and oversee program and animal operations.  Each member of this team volunteers a minimum of 15 hours per week, with many working 20 hours per week, to provide outstanding care and training for all the resident animals.  Hō‘ailona has quickly become a beloved part of the family, with all the staff appreciating what a unique and valuable experience it is to be able to work with such a special endangered species.  Without the dutiful work of each of Hō‘ailona’s new teachers, we would not be able to train Hō‘ailona for the specialized research tasks that will help us gain knowledge about this critically endangered species.  A big mahalo and thank you to all who have helped make this a success.

Hō‘ailona has moved into a new home, or “classroom”, where he continues to learn new behaviors and ways to help his species.  Hō‘ailona’s new home was designed with him specifically in mind.  This includes a 25,000+ gallon pool with plenty of room for diving, plus ample decks around the pool to allow numerous areas for sunbathing.  The habitat has a unique top, designed specifically to help hold heat and humidity in to mimic Hō‘ailona’s native environment.  Additionally, clear Lexan (similar to Plexiglas) was used to create walls which Hō‘ailona can easily see through and observe what is going on around him.  Hō‘ailona has already been observed enjoying watching dolphin training sessions in the pool next door, volunteers passing by completing their daily tasks, as well as taking long naps in the warm Santa Cruz sun as it radiates through the windows facing his sundeck.  Hō‘ailona has also discovered a small underwater window, giving him a glimpse of his caregivers from below the water.  Hō‘ailona has been observed being even more interactive with his environment, investigating every area to the fullest and continually finding new places to hide and stash his toys.

Hō‘ailona’s New “Classroom”

A new home and new teachers have allowed Hō‘ailona to leap forward with his education.  He is already working on his first research project designed to teach us about the energetic needs of Hawaiian monk seals.  Stay tuned for next month for highlights from this project.

(Photo by B. Richter, NMFS Permit No. 932-1905)

Hō‘ailona working with Training Supervisor, Traci Kendall

(Photo by B. Richter, NMFS Permit No. 932-1905)

Hō‘ailona surfing waves in his new environment.

(Photo by B. Richter, NMFS Permit No. 932-1905)

February 2010

March 2010

April 2010

May 2010

June 2010

July 2010

August 2010

September 2010

October 2010

November 2010

January 2011

April 2011