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The folds of skin around the seal’s neck look like a cowl, or hood. Also, monk seals spend a lot of time alone, or in small groups. Why is it called a monk seal?
Endangered Marine Mammal
Swimming in the warm, clear waters of Hawaii is a cute animal with large eyes. It’s called the monk seal. Unfortunately, the Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. Hawaiians call the seal ‘Īlio holo i ka uaua. Circle every other letter to find out what ‘Īlio holo i ka uaua means.
Baby monk seals are called pups. Help mom nd the pup.
START
SIZE:
7.5 feet length
Monk seal pups weigh 25-35 pounds when they are born.
WEIGHT:
500 to 600 pounds
SIZE COMPARED TO A MAN WHO IS 6 FEET TALL:
Pups weigh about 200 pounds within ve to six weeks.
The Good News
Standards Link: Understand people impact other living things. When people realized that the number of Hawaiian monk seals was getting smaller, they started taking actions to protect them. In 2022, the Hawaiian monk seal population was estimated to be between 1,512 and 1,743. This was the first time in over 20 years that the population surpassed 1,570.
Monk seal nostrils are small vertical slits. They close when they dive.
© Vicki Whiting August 2025
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