Officials Say Abandoned Monk Seal Pup Improving

HONOLULU -- The newborn monk seal rescued after his mother abandoned him on a Kauai beach a week ago is improving, officials said.

Scientists and veterinarians at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research facility at Kewalo Basin have given him round-the-clock care.

They said he has gained 1 pound since arriving on Oahu last Friday. He now weights 33.5 pounds. NOAA crews have changed his feeding formula, hoping to accelerate his weight gain.

He remains under a quarantine to limit his exposure to disease and infection.