BLIND MONK SEAL

Following are pictures of a blind monk seal identified as KP2, taken at Kaneohe Marine Base on 9/28/08.  Carroll was on base for the annual bird count and habitat restoration when he saw the seal, recently in the news because it has cataracts and cannot be released back to the wild.    Dave Schofield, of NOAA, objected to Carroll's being on base and taking pictures.  Schofield did not want the media to know about the seal, or anyone else to know that the animal was diagnosed with cataracts and had problems with his vision.  He took issue with the fact that Carroll raised concerns over KP2's vision problems.  Schofield's objections are documented in an email he wrote to base personnel.

In the past, monk seals in captivity have gone blind.  KP2 has cataracts and his eyes are visibly cloudy.  The pictures were not taken with a flash, and this is not a reflection in his eyes.  

What is causing cataracts and blindness in captured seals?  Why did NOAA release this animal knowing that he had cataracts and could possibly go blind, leaving him defenseless.  We believe that it is time that serious consideration be given to take management away from NOAA and give it to entities that are able to manage the monk seal population and see its numbers grow.  As you know, monk seals are an endangered species,  and only between 1,000 and 1200 remain.  And, even that number is questionable.

(article about blind monk seals written in 1999)