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This endangered marine mammal is found only in Hawaii. Fewer than 1,400 seals live and breed on the
coral shoals and atolls of the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
The Hawaiian monk seal is protected by Federal and State laws. Cooperative research programs seek to aid the recovery of the species. Research at the Waikiki Aquarium helps scientists understand challenges to monk seal survival. |
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Human activities can have great impact on Hawaiian monk seal survival. Seals may become entangled in marine debris like fishing nets or discarded plastics. International agreements aim to reduce the amount of this dangerous trash. |
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 Monk seals are masters of energy conservation; they sleep on the beach during much of the day. In the evening, they may hunt to depths of 100 - 1,600 feet (30 - 500 m) in search of reef fish, octopus, and lobster. They can stay underwater for 15 minutes or more while they forage for prey. Monk seals are not highly social, and individuals tend to space themselves apart on beaches. Sometimes the seals in this exhibit make deep, guttural calls as they challenge one another for "haul out" space. |
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Hawaiian monk seals may reach 8 feet (2.4 m) in length and weigh up to
600 pounds (272 kg). They reach maturity at 5 to 7 years old and may have life spans of 20 to 30 years.
Seal pups are usually born in the spring. They nurse for 5 to 6 weeks and can quadruple their birth weight of 35 pounds (16 kg) during that time. After weaning, pups live off their fat while they learn to forage for themselves. |
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 These features distinguish monk seals as "true seals"
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