Public outrage is escalating after a viral incident allegedly showed a tourist throwing a rock near “Kaiwi,” a protected Hawaiian monk seal, reportedly to capture a dramatic social media pH๏τo.

Wildlife advocates say the act reflects a growing problem of people disturbing endangered animals for online content. Experts warn that Hawaiian monk seals are critically protected marine mammals, and even brief harᴀssment can cause severe stress, injury, or separation between mothers and pups.

Federal authorities are continuing their investigation as conservation groups call for stronger enforcement and responsible wildlife tourism.