Kokua Mai – Please

Kokua mai (help us) please to accomplish something very important for the oceans that surround Turtle Bay Resort.

A Hawaiian Monk Seal pup was born on the beaches of Turtle Bay Resort on June 29, 2010. The pup matured properly and has now been weened from her mother. The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a highly endangered animal and this pup is one of less than 1,100 Hawaiian Monk Seals that are alive today. With that small a number every seal is important to the survival of the entire species.

Turtle Bay Resort is working in partnership with NOAA to do something that years ago was only dreamed off. It is now believed that the species survival possibilities are beginning to maybe turn and that this pup, unlike her predecessors over the past multiple years, will not be relocated to what would be a “safer” location. This pup will be allowed to grow and flourish where she was born.

But to do so…she will need your help!

What can you do? Here are the guidelines:

• Maintain a distance of at least 150 feet from the seal
• If the seal approaches you, ignore it and quickly move away from it or exit the water
• Do not make eye contact with the seal or try to get its attention with noises of any kind
• Do not feed the seal

Local volunteers are on property daily to monitor and inform guests about this project. For more information go to www.fpir.noaa.gov. Fliers with this information have been placed in each room of the resort and this information is also available at the Concierge Desk.

Thank you for your Kokua!