The Hawaiian police has finally arrested the man behind the harassment and attack of a pregnant monk seal, which was caught on video.
Authorities were able to track down and nab the 19-year-old Hawaii-native Shylo Akuna, after he was able to evade the police.
On April 26, a group of people shot a video of him striking repeatedly RK30, a 17-year-old pregnant monk seal, on the shores of Salt Pond Beach Park on the island of Kauai. The witnesses eventually called the police, but they arrived too late.
Akuna is currently being held by the police and is expected to be charged with violations of the Endangered Species Act. If found guilty, he may be fined no more than $50,000 and spend up to five years in prison.
While most seals still live in the frigid waters of the Arctic, the Hawaiian monk seals thrive in a more tropical climate. They also enjoy spending time near beaches.
However, over the years, it has become one of the most endangered species in the world with only 1,060 of them left, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
These monk seals are threatened by limited access to food supply, predation from sharks and the gradual loss of their habitats, as the sea level rises and humans migrate near the beaches. The females in particular, may die due to aggression from the males, while the species can fall victim of attacks by humans — such as this one.
Despite what happened, Jammie Thomton, marine mammal response coordinator of NOAA in Hawaii, remained optimistic, especially with the display of sympathy and uproar as the video became viral.
"The most important thing we've learned from this is that there is overwhelming support for monk seals and the coexistence with monk seals on the beach. It highlights that we don't accept this kind of treatment," said Thomton.
As for RK30, which is about to give birth, it is reported to have been disturbed by the assault, but Hawaiians praise its resiliency. All around her body are scars coming from shark bites and being hit by propellers.
"She's a large seal, 600-plus pounds," he said. "She's a survivor ... An assault by a man is something she can handle."
Watch the video below. Warning: It may be disturbing.
