Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, is the ancient Hawaiian name for the Monk Seal. It means, “dog that runs in rough water.” Hawaiian Monk Seals are endemic to the Hawaiian islands, which means they are only found there and nowhere else on the whole planet. Hawaiian Monk Seals are one of the rarest marine mammals in the world (there are only about 1,100 in the wild and their population is in decline). Can you guess why? Oh, I think you know: humans. Human nets entangling them, humans ruining the beaches where they breed and hang out/sleep (and they love to sleep), humans ruining everything all the time.
Monk Seals get their name from the folds of skin on their head that resemble a monk’s hood. Plus, they spend most of their time alone or in small groups. Monk Seals are super duper cute, and something must be done to save the cuteness.
Animals for Sam 