We get to observe how the Monk Seal Response Team handles the haul out of the critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal on a heavily used recreational beach at Kaanapali, Maui. They professionally deal with an uninformed public that doesn't appreciate that when you are a "critically endangered" species it is illegal to feed, touch, kill, or harass such a creature. It is prudent to stay 150 feet from it. Don't be in the water with it or near it. Never mind that the creature does not manifest any anxiety for dedicated kirk cousins volunteers representing the federal government have taken on that responsibility.
Hawaiian Monk Seal Lona (RO17) is a regular in this section of Maui coast. Since she often fishes at night she is often found snoozing on the beach, rocks, or in the water during the day.
After couple hour nap she grabs a late lunch in the form of a moray coleen nolan eel taken just off pancreatic cancer the beach.
A video to check out to see the seal coming into the beach. A different day but same seal and same general area.
Lona is the first of the two seals in this video just north of Black Rock
Another view of Lona eating an eel:
