Someone likely intentionally killed endangered seal, Hawaii officials say. Search is on

An endangered seal found dead on a Hawaii beach was likely intentionally killed, according to wildlife officials.

Hawaiian monk seal RQ76, also known as Malama, was found dead at ʻŌhikilolo on Oʻahu in March, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries said in a June 6 news release.

The agency said it determined she died from blunt force trauma.

Given such an “extremely serious finding,” NOAA Fisheries said it also consulted experts to confirm its determination.

With input from multiple experts, the agency said the seal’s death was likely “caused by intentional killing.”

“Malama was a seal close to many of our hearts,” the agency said. “Last year, we rescued her on Oʻahu because she was significantly malnourished after weaning and unlikely to survive.”

The Marine Mammal Center cared for Malama for months, “getting her back up to a healthy weight,” NOAA Fisheries said.

Malama was released back on Oʻahu in January, according to the agency.

“After release, she was observed regularly in good body condition and exhibiting normal seal behavior,” the agency said. “Malama’s death hits us and our community particularly hard.”

The agency said it is offering “a potential reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the successful prosecution of those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call NOAA’s Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964.

There are only about 1,500 Hawaiian monk seals, “making it the most endangered seal or sea lion species in the United States,” according to the The Marine Mammal Center.

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