A baby Hawaiian monk seal abandoned by its mother on Kaua'i is eating well and maintaining its weight, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said yesterday.

The team caring for the newborn seal said he remains in stable condition, said Wende Goo, a NOAA spokeswoman.

"He's moving around and pooping a lot," Goo said. "Although this is good news, NOAA Fisheries remains guardedly optimistic about his chances."

The seal pup was found last week on a beach in a remote area of Kauai's North Shore. A team arrived and found the pup alone. A male and female monk seal joined the pup but attempts to get the female to accept the pup were unsuccessful.