Hawaiian monk seal appears to have ‘shook the hook’ in lip

KAILUA-KONA — Hawaiian monk seal Manuiwa appears to have dislodged a hook that was spotted in her lip last week.

Officials with The Marine Mammal Center’s Ke Kai Ola Hawaiian Monk Seal Hospital in Kailua-Kona said Monday it appears the seal “shook the hook on her own.” Staff confirmed Sunday afternoon reports that the hook had been dislodged.

Staff from the center had been looking for the seal since Nov. 5 after receiving reports she was seen with a hook embedded in and mono-filament line trailing from her right cheek/lip area.

Additional reports and photos of the hooked seal came in throughout the following days, prompting the center late last week to ask for the public’s help locating the mammal.

Six reports came in, along with photos showing the seal with and without a hook and line in her cheek. Thanks to the timeliness of the reports, staff was able to reach the seal Sunday afternoon and confirm the hook and line were gone.

No intervention will be needed; however, 9-month-old Manuiwa does appear to have a small wound on her cheek.

Manuiwa was born Feb. 8 at Mahaiula Bay to RA20, granddaughter of Honey Girl, a well-known seal on Oahu identified as R5AY that’s raised numerous pups and even inspired a book. Manuiwa is identified as RK26.