Swimming Lessons

This morning Bob and I went out to see how the new monk seal pup was progressing. We had hoped to see a little more activity than I saw when I went out several days ago. Maybe we would even see the baby nursing. Instead we arrived to find the little fellow playing near the edge of the ocean under the careful watch of his mother who snorted loudly when he ventured too far.

Soon he hauled himself up the beach – quite a difficult process for an animal that is built for the water. He seemed to be asking her permission to venture a bit further. After a period of what appeared to be a monk seal version of nagging, mom hauled herself down the beach with junior close behind and they were soon happily swimming together.

 

Mom and pup will be on the beach until he is weaned in about six weeks. We leave Kauai tomorrow but will be back in five weeks. We’re hoping they will still be here so we can see what the pup looks like when he reaches 200 pounds and is ready to be on his own.

 

Images taken in Kauai on Mahaulepu beach November 2008.                                                               

Comments

[Tutu]

I too put some photos up but your post is much better with the links. I am enjoying reading your blog. You actually say interesting things unlike mine that is mostly fluff.
Shannon

[Bruce Moore]

Sweet. It's so nice getting out of gravity.

[Christi Gell]

This is so cool! I love those seals, and it's great you saw a young one!