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NOAA identifies cause of death for Hawaiian monk seal found off Nanakuli

NOAA Fisheries confirmed that Hawaiian monk seal RH32, known as Ka‘ale, died from toxoplasmosis. The seal was recovered dead off the coast of Nānākuli, O‘ahu, on May 6, 2026. This is one of 16 known deaths of Hawaiian monk seals caused by the parasite.

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NOAA released necropsy and histopathology results confirming the cause of death.

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  1. NOAA identifies toxoplasmosis as cause of death for monk seal Ka‘ale

    NOAA Fisheries confirmed that Hawaiian monk seal RH32, known as Ka‘ale, died from toxoplasmosis. The seal was recovered dead off the coast of Nānākuli, O‘ahu, on May 6, 2026. This is one of 16 known deaths of Hawaiian monk seals caused by the parasite.

    What's confirmed:

    • Hawaiian monk seal RH32, also known as Ka‘ale, died from toxoplasmosis.
    • The seal was recovered deceased on May 6, 2026, off the coast of Nānākuli, O‘ahu.
    • Sixteen Hawaiian monk seals, including RH32, have died as a direct result of toxoplasmosis.
    • NOAA identified the cause of death following a necropsy and histopathology results.
    • Toxoplasmosis can cause dysfunction and severe inflammation in the lungs, liver, heart, and brain.
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