MAY 2010  ~  Hau‘oli la hanau Hō‘ailona

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

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

May 1st brings Hō‘ailona’s birthday and we celebrate all he has accomplished.  Hō‘ailona has become a seasoned traveler, a successful student, and has already contributed greatly to the conservation of his species through the projects he participates in daily.  Hō‘ailona has accomplished so much at such a young age, it is difficult to imagine what feats are yet to come.  As an early birthday present, Hō‘ailona was given a large sand box to interact with.  He has been observed rolling in the sand, basking in the sunlight while on his “beach”, digging his face into the sand, and overall seemingly enjoying the new addition to his environment.  Hau‘oli la hanau (Happy Birthday) Hō‘ailona!

With his birthday, also comes additional good news.  Hō‘ailona has continued to grow in areas of his length, girth, and weight.  He is now weighing over 82.0 kg, equating to an overall 52% increase in body mass since his arrival in Santa Cruz.  He continues to eat a diet of various fish types. 

Hō‘ailona has also made huge advancements with his various projects.  He voluntarily participates in a task which allows us to measure how much energy he consumes while resting in varying water temperatures.  These measurements begin to help us understand how sensitive Hawaiian monk seals are to changing ocean temperatures and are some of the “corner pieces” in the overall Hawaiian monk seal species conservation puzzle.

(NMFS Permit No. 932-1905)

(NMFS Permit No. 932-1905)

    Hō‘ailona basking in his sand box.

    Hō‘ailona playing with one of his new toys.

February 2010

March 2010

April 2010

May 2010

June 2010

July 2010

August 2010

September 2010

October 2010

November 2010

January 2011

April 2011