Monk Seal and White Tip Reef Shark Play Tag
Back in ´97, Molokini was visited by this Hawaiian Monk Seal. He stayed for a couple weeks, thrilling the many snorkelers and divers on a daily basis. I was lucky enough to be in the water for this game of tag between our Seal and a resident White Tip Reef Shark.
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This image is typical of his reaction to a camera; he was a real ham!
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Suddenly, he bolted over to check it out, a little white tip.
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Between being chased by the seal and myself, I expected the shark would quickly disappear, but he is a curious shark, or playful,
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as he returned for more harassment.
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This was the most fun I saw the seal have in many visits; the chase is on.
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I do not know how I managed to keep up; maybe the shark was playing too! They race the shallows, along the inside of the crater, with the seal herding like a sheep dog.
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With a burst of speed, the shark circles around.
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Now in deeper water, the seal takes an intercept course.
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How long have we been at it? 15 minutes, maybe 30, he looks as tired as I feel.
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How restful is it, to have a shark buzzing during your nap?
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My friend now seems uninterested, and the shark goes his own way for now.