An endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal pulled up next to the Kona Boys’ Beach Shack to rest on the shore of Kamakahonu Bay in Kailua-Kona, July 1st, 2012. NOAA representative Justin B. was there and gave Kona Boys the low-down on the plight of the Monk Seal.
There are currently only about 1,100 Hawaiian Monk seals left in the world, 8 – 10 of which frequent the Big Island. This female seal relaxed and bathed on the shore as onlookers took pictures and kept a respectful distance.
Hawaiian Monk Seals are typically relaxed, calm, and fun-loving. It was recently discovered that they have the amazing ability to comfortably dive below 1,500 feet deep in search of food.