Wildlife Experts May Move Molokai Monk Seal

Wildlife experts may move a Hawaiian monk seal that is acting more like a pet than a wild animal. KP2 was released in a remote part of Molokai, but he seems to crave human contact. He has been hanging out near Kaunakakai wharf for a few months. Residents have been asked to stay away from the creature, however, many find it hard to resist the playful animal.

KP2 became the first Hawaiian monk seal to be hand-reared by wildlife experts after being abandoned by his mother on Kauai in May 2008. Seal experts from California and scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) raised him, then released him in Kalaupapa in December. The animal appeared in Kaunakakai a few months later.