{"id":2252,"date":"2026-07-06T04:08:24","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T04:08:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaiimovinginsider.com\/?p=2252"},"modified":"2026-07-06T04:08:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T04:08:24","slug":"volunteers-say-july-4th-festivities-frightened-rocky-the-seal-newborn-pup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaiimovinginsider.com\/?p=2252","title":{"rendered":"Volunteers say July 4th festivities frightened \u2018Rocky\u2019 the seal, newborn pup"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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.<\/p>\n

Read more Venezuelans in Hawaii host events to raise money, supplies for earthquake victims<\/a><\/p>\n

This is not the first time beachgoers reportedly bothered the well-known Rocky and her newborn pup at Nimitz Beach. <\/p>\n

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

Now, volunteers said loud, illegal fireworks frightened the pair amid Independence Day festivities. <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\u201cThat happened in very close proximity to Rocky and her pup,\u201d wildlife advocate Michelle Poppler said. <\/p>\n

Volunteer Suzanne Goodrich added, \u201cThe distressing cries from mama and pup were just heartbreaking, you could tell that she was not comfortable, didn\u2019t know how to comfort her pup.\u201d<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

It was Rocky\u2019s first time having a pup at the crowded beach. Most of her pups have been born on Kauai beaches. <\/p>\n

Rocky has also given birth at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki, where the protective mother attacked a swimmer who got too close. <\/p>\n

Read more Water main break prompts lane closures on Kapiolani Blvd. in Honolulu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cLuckily, we did not see anybody get [bitten] or the seals did not move so, it was just a very nail-biting situation,\u201d Poppler said. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis beach does have signs posted that animals aren\u2019t allowed,\u201d Poppler added. <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

The pup is now just over three weeks old, and it could be another two to four weeks until it is weaned. <\/p>\n

In the meantime, to prevent dangerous encounters for both beachgoers and the seals, volunteers want more enforcement. <\/p>\n

\u201cJust the bottles being left at the beach and phones being thrown at the pup, it\u2019s so not cool, it\u2019s heartbreaking,\u201d Goodrich added. <\/p>\n

The Department of Land and Natural Resources previously told HNN its officers conduct thorough investigations and give their findings to NOAA.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Read more Man arrested after woman stabbed in Ala Moana area<\/a><\/p>\n

You can also contact the Hawaii Marine Animal Response at (808) 256-9840.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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