The Hawaiian Monk Seal

After visiting the National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Lawai, my friend, Schar and I ate lunch at Brennecke's and decided to go for a walk on the beach and came across this gorgeous Hawaiian Monk Seal! I was just telling her how I have never been able to get a "good" picture of one. I am satisfied now!

So, what's the fuss all about? Well, Hawaiian Monk seals are one of the most endangered species of seals on the earth. They are currently listed as "critically endangered" and live mainly in the small atolls of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. However, a few find their way to Kauai every so often, and they are greeted with open arms! Because they are so endangered, a section of the beach is roped off with warning signs that tell not to touch or come to close to the seals. When a mother just gives birth to a pup, we must give them lots of room. If they are disturbed in any way, then the mother will abandon the pup, and the pup will most likely die from malnutrition. The mother is it's sole source of food until it gets big enough to feed on its own.

I just love them because they are so cute and fun to watch. Check out my video below to see him in action! Mahalo to Ray and Bucky for providing the music for the video!