First of all, Hawaiian monk seals usually steer clear of the populated, major Hawaiian Islands. They are usually found in the French Frigate Shoals, Northwest of the Hawaiian Islands. Secondly and more importantly, Hawaiian monk seals are endangered. Today, there are less than 1,500 Hawaiian monk seals in the entire world. Hawaiian monk seals are one of only two mammals that are endemic, or found only in Hawaii.
Pups are black at birth, and grow at a rapid rate as they feed on their mother's rich milk.
Imagine if your baby brother or sister weighed 150 pounds when he or she was only six weeks old. True seals have no external ears, and their hind flippers can't turn forwards. Seals, like the monk seal, harp seal, and harbor seal, are very awkward on land. They drag themselves about with floppy, undulating motions. Their torpedo-shaped bodies cut through the water with ease, and they can dive to tremendous depths.