NOAA: Rocky’s pup to be relocated to a more remote beach

Rocky appears to have weaned her 16th pup after five weeks of nursing at Nimitz Beach in Kalaeloa.

Over the weekend, observers reported that Rocky had left her pup, Po11, and not returned.

Mother seals will not leave to forage for food during the nursing period, which typically lasts five to seven weeks, according to experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

During this time, they fast until it’s time to wean, and then depart to replenish their reserves.

NOAA has already announced plans to relocate the pup relocate Rocky’s monk seal pup upon weaning to a more remote shore, but does not share details on when and where exactly.

“To give PO11 a stronger chance at growing up wild and healthy, we’re making arrangements to move the pup to a more remote Oahu shore, near other wild seals,” said NOAA in a statement. “The move will happen quietly, shortly after we confirm that Rocky has weaned the pup. We won’t share the exact timing or specific relocation spot to keep the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for all involved.”

In the meantime, a grassroots group of volunteers from the community are watching over P011 to make sure she is safe from harassment or harm. The group has also watched over Rocky and pup over the past five weeks.

Rocky is the seal that became famous for being the first to give birth to a pup at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki in 2017. The 26-year-old seal, who herself was born on Kauai, has kept experts guessing. In 2024, she was also the first known seal to give birth to a pup at Sand Island.

This year, Rocky gave birth to a pup on June 13 at Nimitz Beach in Kalaeloa. The site has proven to be challenging due to its popularity as a spot for fishing, swimming and camping, and for unleashed dogs and bonfires after dark.

The Fourth of July weekend was particularly harrowing, as loud and booming, illegal aerial fireworks set off nearby spooked the pup, according to witnesses.

NOAA says once collected, the pup will undergo a quick health check and get standard flipper ID tags before her release.

Wildlife officials recently relocated Kaiwi’s pup, which was born on May 3, from Kaimana Beach to a less crowded shoreline upon weaning.

“Keeping an eye on a nursing pair takes a lot of coordination,” said NOAA in a post about the relocation. “We are grateful for the support from Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR), our on-the-ground response partner; the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources; the City and County of Honolulu; and the Honolulu Police Department.”

NOAA added, “We also appreciate the beachgoers and residents who have respected the fencing, followed the guidance of the monitors, and given Rocky and pup the space they needed during this critical time.”

Hawaiian monk seals are one of the most endangered seal species in the world, and are protected by both state and federal laws. Only about 1,600 remain in the wild.