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Monk seal pup Kaimana, mom Rocky may have parted

BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Kaimana played with a small buoy in the waters off Kaimana Beach today.

Kaimana, the Hawaiian monk seal pup born on Waikiki’s Kaimana Beach 43 days ago, appears to be on her own after mom Rocky disappeared into the ocean this afternoon.

“This may indicate that Rocky has weaned her pup, but it’s too soon to know for sure,” said Dan Dennison, spokesman for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Conservation officials are still planning to relocate the young seal to an undisclosed location on Oahu. This will likely happen within the next few days after scientists are sure the pup has been weaned, Dennison said.

Kaimana will be the 10th pup weaned by Rocky and the only one not born on Kauai. Officials said her previous nursing periods ranged from 39 to 42 days.

DLNR and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials continue to ask for the public’s cooperation in respecting the safety perimeter around Kaimana — and Rocky if she returns — and avoid going into the water when she is out swimming.

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