10 Years of Ocean Protection: Stories & Photos

More than 300 Keiki and Their Families Learn About Seals on Monk Seal Saturday

NMFS Permit #455-1760-01

(Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu, HI) Stuffed seal toys, individually-made seal buttons, seal hats and seal tattoos were the order of the day on November 6, 2010 as Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument presented Monk Seal Saturday at the Waikiki Aquarium. More than 300 children received custom, plush, stuffed monk seal toys in exchange for offering to name the monk seal. Caleb Chun provided the winning name – Ponokai – picked by an expert panel of judges. The judges were NOAA Superintendent for Papahānaumokuākea, ‘Aulani Wilhelm; the Director of the Waikiki Aquarium, Dr. Andrew Rossiter and O‘ahu-based artist and author Patrick Ching.

Ching offered ‘how to draw a monk seal’ instruction throughout the day and saw a steady stream of keiki at his table, drawing and coloring monk seals pictures. The critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal is featured prominently in Ching’s paintings and children’s books and he donated an autographed painting and two autographed monk seal books for the prize package that was presented to the winner. It also included an annual family pass to the Waikiki Aquarium and gifts from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and its sister-sanctuary, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary whose staff and volunteers made monk seal hats and provided seal tattoos for the kids.

Monk Seal Saturday was designed to bring attention to the plight of the Hawaiian Monk Seal, currently one of our planets most endangered species. With fewer than 1100 in the wild, mostly in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands which Papahānaumokuākea overlays, scientists continue to work tirelessly on a number of projects and initiatives to better ensure their long-term survival. The event, one of dozens held in 2010, also was intended to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, which is considered one of the most pivotal measures ever to protect a sensitive marine environment.

In addition to the children’s activities, they and their families were able to learn more about Hawaiian Monk Seals during one of the two daily feedings and interpretive educational presentations from aquarium staff.