WILD LINKS HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua is the name used to describe the Hawaiian monk seal, meaning, "the dog that runs in the rough (seas)." These seals get their common name "monk seals" because of their bald appearance, solitary habits and a fold of skin behind their heads which resembles a monk's hood.
There have only been four seals born on the main Hawaiian islands. Two of those births occurred in 1991 on the North shores of Oahu and Kauai.
Monk seals feed largely on fish, eels, octopus, and lobster that they usually catch at night. In the daylight hours, the seals spend much of their time sleeping. When on land, they may look lethargic, sick or even dead. Actually, the seals come ashore to get their much needed rest and should not be disturbed or approached.

The Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge in Kauai, is a sanctuary for nearly 50 different species of birds, including endangered Hawaiian stilts, ducks, golden plovers, tattlers, coots and gallinules. Around the Hawaiian islands you will find the Monk Seal and when I travelled to Vancouver I took a ferry ride to Victoria Island where I seeked out the cute little Sea Otters that are found on the west coast of Vancouver Island and parts of the Central Coast. The Harp Seal is from the Arctic but in my special design they are altogether!

Sea Otter from Fantasea Collection