Seals Find Paradise in Hawaii, Hell in Canada

The Hawaiian word “aloha” means:

1. A. peace
2. B. mercy
3. C. love
4. D. affection
5. E. hello
6. F. all of the above

Kent Backman / CC by 3.0 Unported

If you answered “F,” you’re correct—and this week the Aloha State welcomed a new law that embodies peace, mercy, love, and affection for seals. Now anyone who intentionally harasses, harms, or kills a Hawaiian monk seal—or any endangered or threatened Hawaiian species—can be charged with a class C felony and face a fine of up to $50,000 and five years in prison.

So, in Hawaii the sight of a seal waddling up the beach draws volunteers to make sure that beachgoers leave the animal in peace. In Canada, the sight of seals lying on ice floes draws hunters to bash their heads in. I’m pretty sure that this is a no-brainer, but I still have to ask: Which destination would you rather visit?

Written by Karin Bennett