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Hawaiian Monk Seals Return Home – Photos

Meleana was found at Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands suffering from emaciation.
Meleana was found at Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands suffering from emaciation. Credit: The Marine Mammal Center, NMFS Permit 16632-00 and 932-1905-01MA-009526-1
The U.S. Coast Guard provided transport of the seals from Kona to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
The U.S. Coast Guard provided transport of the seals from Kona to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
Two female Hawaiian monk seals are returned to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.U.S. Coast Guard crew members load the seals onto the HC-130 for transport.
U.S. Coast Guard crew members load the seals onto the HC-130 for transport. Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Tara Molle/U.S. Coast Guard, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
The team off-loading the seals at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
The team off-loading the seals at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Tara Molle/U.S. Coast Guard, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
One of the seals peeks out at its surroundings during transport.
One of the seals peeks out at its surroundings during transport. Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Tara Molle/U.S. Coast Guard, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
Team members prepare the seals for transport at Midway Atoll.
Team members prepare the seals for transport at Midway Atoll. Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
The offshore supply ship Kahana transported the seals from Midway Atoll to Kure Atoll.
The offshore supply ship Kahana transported the seals from Midway Atoll to Kure Atoll. Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
The seals are lowered from the ship onto a small boat for transport to Kure Atoll.
The seals are lowered from the ship onto a small boat for transport to Kure Atoll. Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
The team off-loads the seals and other supplies at Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary.
The team off-loads the seals and other supplies at Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary. Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
The team constructs a beach pen for the seals to get acclimated to their new surroundings before being released.
The team constructs a beach pen for the seals to get acclimated to their new surroundings before being released. Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
The seals are placed in the beach pen on Kure Atoll to get acclimated to their new surroundings before being released.
The seals are placed in the beach pen on Kure Atoll to get acclimated to their new surroundings before being released. Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
Two female Hawaiian monk seals are returned to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Two female Hawaiian monk seals are returned to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Credit: Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
Pua is the first seal out of the pen at Kure Atoll.
Pua is the first seal out of the pen at Kure Atoll. Credit: Matt Saunter/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
Two female Hawaiian monk seals, Pua and Mele, are released on Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Two female Hawaiian monk seals, Pua and Mele, are released on Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Credit: Matt Saunter/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
Many hands helped in the return of the monk seals to their home in the Monument.
Many hands helped in the return of the monk seals to their home in the Monument. Credit: Dan Dennison/Hawaii DLNR, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1
Satellite track of Pua and Mele for the 5 days after their release (March 25-30, 2015) at Kure Atoll.
Satellite track of Pua and Mele for the 5 days after their release (March 25-30, 2015) at Kure Atoll. Pua and Mele are exploring their new environment and behaving normally. Credit: NOAA, NMFS permit #932-1905-01/ma-009526-1

For U.S. Coast Guard photos imagery, click the link: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1850974/critically-endangered-hawaiian-monk -seals-returned-northwestern-hawaiian-islands#.VRxOOma2jLU.

Videos

Meleana was found at Kure Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands suffering from emaciation.

Before footage - emaciated Mele and Pua before rehabiliation. NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program Permit # 932-1905
Watch Video
Two female Hawaiian monk seals are returned to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

After footage - Hawaiian monk seals released at Kure Atoll State Wildlife Refuge after spending the winter at Ke Kai Ola Care Facility on the Island of Hawaii. NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program Permit # 932-1905
Watch Video

Watch more videos about the Monk Seal Return to Papahānaumokuākea and the Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Program here.

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