Monk Seal

Monk Seal

We hung out on the beach to meet one of Hawaii’s most endangered animals- the Hawaiian Monk Seal.  We took the SS Ellie and Edmond up to the northern islands for the week to spend some time in the reefs and among areas where there are few humans. This is where we met these special marine mammals.

Hawaiian Monk Seal Fun Facts: 

• These tropical seals can grow up to 7 ft long and weigh up to 600 lbs.
• They are carnivores. They eat fish, lobsters, octopus and eels.
• Monk seals got their name from the fold of skin that resembles a monk’s robe’s cowl. Their Hawaiian name -Ilio holo I ka uaua- means dog that runs in rough water.
• Females are slightly larger than males.
• They shed their hair and outer layer of skin once a year. This is called a catrostrophic molt. During this molt, they spend their days on the beach.
• Hawaiian monk seals are the state mammal of Hawaii.
• They are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. There around 1,500 individuals.

We had a blast seeing these seals sunning themselves on the beach. They are just the cutest. They have some great organizations working to save them too! Check out Save Monk Seals website for more info!