Hawaiian monk seal named Rocky gives birth to 11th pup

FILE: First monk seal born in Waikīkī; she and her mother, Rocky, became ambassadors for the species. (NOAA photo)

HONOLULU – A Hawaiian monk seal named Rocky has given birth to her 11th pup on a remote shoreline on Kauai.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials say Rocky and the baby monk seal appear to be doing well following the Monday delivery.

Nine of Rocky’s pups were born on Kauai beaches, but her 10th generated attention last year. Rocky gave birth to a female pup on the crowded Kaimana Beach in Honolulu, surprising visitors in June 2017.

NOAA officials remind people to stay away from monk seals, especially mothers, which can become aggressive to protect their pups.

Officials say 26 monk seals have been born on Hawaii this year. The endangered species has a population of about 1,400 in the wild.