What They Eat

These carnivores eat fish and other sea creatures they find along the sea floor. Octopus, squid and crustaceans are common prey items for Hawaiian monk seals.

Where They Live

Hawaiian monk seals inhabit the coasts of the Hawaiian Islands. There are less than 1,100 individual seals living on/around the Hawaiian Islands, with the majority around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Hawaiian monk seals rest and breed on atolls and sandy beaches, but spend most of their time in the water.

What They Do

Females give birth to just one pup a year. When the pups are weaned, the mother leaves the pup so she may hunt and care for herself. Weaned pups must learn how to find and catch their own prey.

How They’re Doing

Monk seals are critically endangered, with just over 1,000 remaining. While the population around the main Hawaiian Islands is increasing, the Northwestern Hawaiian Island population is declining due to shortages of food, aggression from other seals, and entanglement with debris such as old fishing nets.

Where in the World

Hawaiian Islands

Habitat

Ocean

Conservation Status

conservationStatus_CR

Animal Facts

Length: 5-7 feet
Life Span: 25-30 years in zoos
Average Weight: 375-500 lbs

Taxonomic Category

Mammal

Where at the Zoo

Discovery Bay