One baby seal Hawaii has been weaned and removed from her birthplace, allowing tourists to once again access the island’s popular beach.

Last month, Hawaii authorities cordoned off much of the popular Waikiki beach to protect the mother seal and her ephemeral seal.

The birth of a critically endangered harbor seal in one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations has sparked an uproar. new fight between those who supported the protection of the island’s fragile ecosystem and those who insisted on maintaining access to the white sandy beaches that attract millions of visitors every year.

Cayman Beach is located next to the mid-sized hotel and is a favorite swimming and sunbathing spot for foreigners and locals alike.

Starting six years ago, Hawaiian monk seals (monk seals or Monachus schauinslandi) began to breed in this area from time to time, opening a cycle of public confrontation between “environmentalists” and “vacationers”.

In the case of the newborn, the authorities took additional protective measures by monitoring the beach around the clock, after accident last yearwhen a California tourist got too close to a mother and her child, causing the mother to attack him, dragging him underwater and injuring his face, arms, and back.

Authorities have blocked access to part of Cayman Beach in the past during calving season, however this year the protected area was expanded.

Mother seals are extremely protective of their young while they are still nursing, and authorities advise swimmers to avoid this beach until they are weaned.

In this case, Pualani, as the baby was christened, after weaning was taken to unknown area.

Pualani was fourth child born on this beach since 2017.

Less than 1,600 Hawaiian fur seals left in the wild and it’s a criminal offense to disturb them.

Source: Associated Press.