10 Years of Ocean Protection: Calendar Events

Papahānaumokuākea and Waikiki Aquarium Partner for Monk Seal Saturday on November 6th

First 200 Keiki Receive Limited Edition Monk Seal Plush Toy

To help bring attention to the plight of Hawaiian Monk Seals and to raise awareness of and appreciation for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (NWHICRER), whose boundaries lie within the Monument, the Waikiki Aquarium hosts Monk Seal Saturday on Nov. 6, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The first 200 keiki through the gate will receive a limited-edition plush stuffed monk seal after they participate in the “name the seal contest.” The winning entrant will receive a prize package including an annual family pass to the Waikiki Aquarium and personally autographed books and art work from famed Hawaiian monk seal artist Patrick Ching. Patrick will be at the aquarium all day to teach keiki “How to Draw a Monk Seal.” In addition staff from PMNM and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS) will have monk seal button-making, monk seal hats and tattoos available. Parents will be provided with information on both the Monument and the Sanctuary and on the 10th anniversary of the NWHICRER. Families can also observe one of the twice daily feedings of the aquarium’s two resident endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals.

WHAT: Monk Seal Saturday

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu (Normal Admission fees apply)

WHY: To educate young people and adults about the plight of the critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal and the 10th Anniversary of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve