$30,000 Reward for Slain Seals Info

Three Hawaiian Monk Seals have been found slain recently in Hawaii, so conservation groups are offering $30,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Two were found slain on Molokai in November, and another was found recently on Kauai. Another seal death is under investigation, so there could be four total. These seals are critically endangered, with less than 1,100 remaining in the wild, and they could be extinct in fifty to one hundred years.

“Why would anyone do this to such social, fun-loving animals in Hawaii that have a close relationship with not only with Native Hawaiians but the local population,” asked William Aila, chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. (Source: WashingtonPost)

A confidential, toll-free tip line 1-855-DLNR-TIP (1-855-356-7847) has been set up for members of the public to provide information to authorities about the seal attacks, to help them solve the case.

The Humane Society of the United States, the Conservation Council for Hawaii, Center for Biological Diversity and the Marine Conservation Institute are the groups providing the reward money. Additionally, a $15,000 donation was made anonymously.

The penalty for harming the endangered monk seals was increased in 2010, because it had been too lax. It was increased to up to five years in prison, when it had been far less. A man who shot and killed a pregnant seal only was sentenced to ninety days in jail, 2009.

Factors contributing to the decline of Hawaiian monks seals are: intentional killing, loss of habitat, marine debris, and disease. They are found only in Hawaii.

If you are in Hawaii, and see a monk seal, it is best for their well-being and your own to keep a safe distance. The National Marine Fisheries guidelines for viewing Monk Seals are:

  • When viewing a monk seal on the beach, observe them from at least 150 feet away and limit your observation time to one-half hour.
  • Never attempt to swim with or touch a Hawaiian monk seal. They are wild animals and have been known to be aggressive and bite humans.
  • Keep your pet on a leash at all times in the presence of seals. Seals can be aggressive and have been known to bite dogs.

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Carrie Anne Brown

thanks for sharing hope they find the person or people doing this :/

Debbie Crowe
Debbie C5 years ago

Surely $30,000 for information will bring out someone who knows something. People who do this sort of thing always brag to someone. Hopefully that someone will come forward and turn the jerk in.

Gianna Macias
Gianna Macias5 years ago

I truly hope the criminals are found, caught and jailed, for a long long time. Also their identities should be made public, people have the right to know when criminals are sitting next to them.

KS Goh
KS Goh5 years ago

Thanks for the article.

David V.
David V5 years ago

i hope these people are caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law & beyond. Ideally they should be caught & clubbed to death.

Dianne D.
Dianne D5 years ago

Hope this money will shake loose the guilty. People who have no regards for a life should not be permitted to walk around in society.

Lynn C.
Lynn C5 years ago

Hope the new law will deter this atrocity!

Karen F.
Karen F5 years ago

Some people enjoy killing things. I hope this person(s) is caught quickly.

Linda Peterson
Linda P5 years ago

What kind of person can do this, scary. May they get what is coming to them.

Suzanne Loewen
Suzanne L5 years ago

I suspect it wasn't greed for money but the desire to kill or destroy a living creature. I hope they find out who did it and give them the maximum prison time. In an ideal world they'd be punished much more severely.