Rising Tide Images
Making Friends
Usually solitary, monk seals sometimes get together. A young, molting female (foreground) was making her way to the water after spending the night in the beach strand naupaka shrub. This male came ashore nearby and galumphed over to greet the female. They both lay in the sun for a while then go their separate ways. The male is RO40 “Ka’ena” born in 2006. The female is known as “Lina” RL98.
Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the human populated main volcanic islands emerged above sea level. The original seal occupied islands have since receded to coral atolls and are part of Papahānaumokuākea. Recent population estimates indicate a slight increase to 1,570 individuals throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. However, Hawaiian monk seals remain endangered and among the rarest of marine mammals.
Making Friends
Usually solitary, monk seals sometimes get together. A young, molting female (foreground) was making her way to the water after spending the night in the beach strand naupaka shrub. This male came ashore nearby and galumphed over to greet the female. They both lay in the sun for a while then go their separate ways. The male is RO40 “Ka’ena” born in 2006. The female is known as “Lina” RL98.
Endemic to Hawaii, this species of monk seal was established in the archipelago millions of years before the human populated main volcanic islands emerged above sea level. The original seal occupied islands have since receded to coral atolls and are part of Papahānaumokuākea. Recent population estimates indicate a slight increase to 1,570 individuals throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. However, Hawaiian monk seals remain endangered and among the rarest of marine mammals.