Horrifying moment rare seal is caught being attacked on beach by thug
SHOCKING footage of a thug beating one of the planet's rarest creatures on a tropical beach has gone viral.
Hawaii man caught on camera attacking pregnant seal
The horrific scenes of the man punching the pregnant Hawaiian monk seal caused outrage when they appeared on Facebook and YouTube.
In the 20 second clip shot on the island of Kauai's Salt Pond Beach, the man can be seen attacking the marine mammal - one of only 1,000 left on the planet - as it flails in the surface.
The 17-year-old seal is so rare she has her own identification number, RK30, and also special protection under the Endangered Species Act, which makes it an offence to harass, disturb or injure her species.
Over the years, RK30, has amazed conservationists with her survival instincts after suffering shark bites and being badly scarred by fishing line.
After the footage emerged, the Mayor of Kauai, Bernard Carvalho, said: "I share our community's shock and disappointment as this behavior is both unacceptable and illegal.
A man was filmed punching a Hawaiian monk seal
"The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world and they are endemic to Hawaii.
"They deserve our respect and protection, and our gratitude goes out to the bystanders who immediately contacted authorities.
The 17-year-old seal is so rare she has her own identification number
The incident happened on the island of Kauai's Salt Pond Beach
"I urge anyone with information on the suspect to please report it."
It was reported today that a 19-year-old man had been arrested after the video went viral.