CSI: Hawaiian Monk Seal
2/3
Source: animals.nationalgeographic.com
Words: Rhea Cortado
At my local surf spots across SoCal, it’s not uncommon for a pod of dolphins cruise by and paralyze the line-up with a few sick leaps before stealing the set waves as surfers cheer them on. So it’s not really a surprise that some surfers took it personally when two Hawaiian monk seals, our other ocean friends, were found slain on Kauai and Molokai last year. The murders of these endangered species rattled an anonymous donor to the tune of a $10,000 pledge to Surfrider Foundation in hopes that the reward cash will help track down the evildoer who is responsible.
Kauai Surfrider’s Carl Berg told the Honolulu Advertiser, “There are people out there who are still really mad that somebody’s doing this and they’re willing to give big money to resolve this. We really want to find out what’s going on and we really want people to understand these are nature’s creatures.” There are only about 1,100 monk seals remaining around Hawaii. Here’s to hoping that they catch that Cruella DeVille of sea creatures. To find out more and spread the word to any Hawaiian friends, visit the Honolulu Advertiser.
