“Though Her Time Was Brief, Her Impact Was Profound”: Hawaiʻi Mourns the Loss of Monk Seal Pup Makamae

HAWAIʻI ISLAND — The loss of a single Hawaiian monk seal pup has touched hearts across the islands, reminding many of both the fragility of this critically endangered species and the extraordinary dedication of those working to protect it.

The young seal, known as RU72, Makamae, died on June 4 after suffering a sudden medical emergency, according to marine conservation officials.

Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from wildlife advocates, students, volunteers, and community members who had followed her remarkable journey toward recovery.

A Second Chance at Life

Makamae first arrived at Ke Kai Ola, Hawaiʻi’s monk seal hospital operated by the Marine Mammal Center in partnership with NOAA, in November 2025.

She had been rescued after her mother, Waimanu, was unable to nurse her adequately in the wild.

For Hawaiian monk seal pups, maternal care during the first weeks of life is critical. Without it, survival becomes increasingly difficult.

Under the watchful care of veterinarians and animal care specialists, Makamae began receiving around-the-clock support aimed at helping her grow stronger.

Although her progress was gradual, caregivers described it as encouraging.

For those involved in her rehabilitation, every small milestone became a reason to celebrate.

The Meaning Behind Her Name

The pup was later given the name Makamae, chosen by students from Kohala Elementary School.

In Hawaiian, makamae means precious, valuable, darling, or beloved.

The name quickly proved fitting.

As updates about her recovery spread, Makamae captured the hearts of people throughout Hawaiʻi and beyond.

For many, she became a symbol of resilience, hope, and the importance of protecting Hawaiʻi’s unique wildlife.

A Sudden and Unexpected Turn

Despite the dedicated efforts of her care team, Makamae’s condition deteriorated rapidly in early June.

Veterinary specialists immediately responded, but the young seal could not be saved.

Preliminary findings from a necropsy later identified mesenteric torsion as a likely cause of death.

The condition occurs when the intestines twist around themselves, cutting off blood flow to vital portions of the digestive tract.

Experts say mesenteric torsion is rare but often catastrophic, progressing quickly and becoming extremely difficult to treat successfully.

Additional diagnostic testing remains ongoing to provide a fuller understanding of the factors involved.

Helping Future Monk Seals

Although Makamae’s story ended far sooner than anyone had hoped, conservationists say her life may continue to make a difference.

Information gathered through her treatment and subsequent examinations could provide important scientific insights that may help improve care for other endangered monk seals facing similar medical challenges.

Each case contributes valuable knowledge to the broader effort to understand and protect one of the world’s rarest marine mammals.

Why Hawaiian Monk Seals Matter

The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered seal species on Earth.

Found nowhere else in the world except Hawaiʻi, the species faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, entanglement in marine debris, disease, food limitations, and human disturbance.

Conservation efforts involving researchers, veterinarians, volunteers, and local communities have helped support gradual population recovery in recent years.

Still, every seal remains important.

Every pup represents hope for the future of the species.

And every loss is deeply felt.

A Legacy of Aloha

Though Makamae’s life was short, the impact she had was immeasurable.

She brought together schoolchildren, scientists, caregivers, and people from all walks of life who shared a common desire: to see Hawaiʻi’s wildlife thrive.

Her story reminds us that conservation is not only about protecting species—it is also about compassion, education, and our responsibility to care for the natural world around us.

For those who followed her journey, Makamae will be remembered not simply as a rescued seal pup, but as a beloved ambassador for her species.

Rest peacefully, sweet Makamae.

You were precious.
You were beloved.
And you will not be forgotten.

By learning more about Hawaiian monk seals, respecting wildlife viewing guidelines, and supporting conservation efforts, each of us can help ensure that Makamae’s legacy lives on in the generations of monk seals still to come.