05/22/2026
🚨🦭💔 HAWAII’S MOST LOVED MONK SEAL HAS DIED… AND PEOPLE ACROSS AMERICA ARE HEARTBROKEN 🇺🇸🌊
With deep sadness, officials confirmed the loss of RH32, better known as Kaʻale — one of Hawaiʻi’s most recognized and beloved monk seals. 😢
Kaʻale was frequently seen resting along the Waiʻanae coast, where volunteers, interns, and marine rescue teams spent years monitoring and protecting him. But behind those peaceful moments was a constant fight for survival. Like many endangered monk seals, Kaʻale suffered repeated human-related injuries, including painful fishing hook incidents and dangerous entanglements that required emergency care. ⚠️🎣
On May 6, a large-scale response was launched after reports of a deceased monk seal near Nānākuli. HMAR coordinated recovery efforts alongside Honolulu Ocean Safety, DLNR, NOAA Fisheries, and NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. Multiple crews, vehicles, and marine experts worked together to safely recover and transport Kaʻale for scientific examination. 🚑🌊
At this time, officials say the exact cause of death remains UNKNOWN. Experts explain that determining what happened requires complex post-mortem examinations and diagnostic testing that could take weeks. Authorities are urging the public not to spread speculation or misinformation online while the investigation continues. 🔬
Kaʻale became more than just a seal — he became a symbol of Hawaiʻi’s fragile marine life and touched thousands of hearts across the world. 🕊️💙
