Volunteers say July 4th festivities frightened ‘Rocky’ the seal, newborn pup

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – While many celebrated the Fourth of July, volunteers were trying to protect a monk seal mother and pup at a popular West Oahu beach.

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This is not the first time beachgoers reportedly bothered the well-known Rocky and her newborn pup at Nimitz Beach.

A little more than a week ago, Hawaii News Now reported on violators reportedly throwing beer bottles and containers at the two.

Now, volunteers said loud, illegal fireworks frightened the pair amid Independence Day festivities.

“That happened in very close proximity to Rocky and her pup,” wildlife advocate Michelle Poppler said.

Volunteer Suzanne Goodrich added, “The distressing cries from mama and pup were just heartbreaking, you could tell that she was not comfortable, didn’t know how to comfort her pup.”

Poppler pointed out the noise was not the only nuisance near the pair, as several people got too close to them as well, which also happened a little more than a week ago after Rocky birthed her 16th pup.

It was Rocky’s first time having a pup at the crowded beach. Most of her pups have been born on Kauai beaches.

Rocky has also given birth at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki, where the protective mother attacked a swimmer who got too close.

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“Luckily, we did not see anybody get [bitten] or the seals did not move so, it was just a very nail-biting situation,” Poppler said.

Since the latest birth, volunteers looking over Rocky and her newborn have been voicing concerns about several disturbances, such as loud trucks driving on the nearby roadway and objects being thrown at the seals, in addition to people and loose dogs getting too close to them.

“This beach does have signs posted that animals aren’t allowed,” Poppler added.

The pup is now just over three weeks old, and it could be another two to four weeks until it is weaned.

In the meantime, to prevent dangerous encounters for both beachgoers and the seals, volunteers want more enforcement.

“Just the bottles being left at the beach and phones being thrown at the pup, it’s so not cool, it’s heartbreaking,” Goodrich added.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources previously told HNN its officers conduct thorough investigations and give their findings to NOAA.

DLNR said eyewitnesses who see people drinking or littering and/or dogs off their leashes should call 911 or the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 888-256-9840.

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You can also contact the Hawaii Marine Animal Response at (808) 256-9840.