HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Rocky, the Hawaiian monk seal mother of 15, was seen soaking up the sun in Waikiki on Saturday.
She was spotted near the lagoon, next to lifeguard tower 2-C.
Experts with the Hawaii Marine Animal Response were on site to make sure onlookers were respectful and kept a lawful distance.
“I came here to Waikiki from Michigan, came over here at the beach, and I got an experience like this,” Mike Zsohar said. “Never seen this in Detroit. Really cool to see all the spectators around. She is alive, moving around a little, sunbathing – just like everybody else – and enjoying it.”
The law requires people to stay at least 50 feet away from monk seals and 150 feet away from mothers with pups.
Anyone who sees a seal is asked to alert the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hotline at (888) 256-9840.
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