What a delightful look into the world of Hawaiian Monk Seals, in particular one tagged as Kauai Pup 2, also known as KP2, but later christened Ho'ailona. Poor little KP2 was not only cruelly ignored and abandoned by his mother when he was born, but he was viciously attacked by a large male, who was likely his father. If not for emergency rescue, KP2 would have died. Instead, he was saved by marine conservationists in Hawaii, who taught him how to swim on a pink boogie board. He was a special monk seal in that he displayed an extraordinary need to be around people, making kids his friends.

But it isn't long before controversy threatens KP2. The local fishermen want the seal and his ilk gone because they compete against them for fish in the ocean and are also in danger of getting tangled in their nets. And KP2 was starting to go blind.

He's then whisked away to California to live under the care and be studied by Terrie Williams and her research team. By observing, taking blood samples and training KP2, Terrie had enough data now to form a better understanding of monk seals, how they're different from other seals and developed a passion to do all she can to prevent their extinction.

KP2 has retained his puppy playfulness, learned to cope with his poor eyesight and as promised to the people of Hawaii, been returned to them where he currently lives in Waikiki Aquarium, his blindness making it impossible for him to be returned to the wild, and he has his own Facebook page.

One note I was really pleased to read at the end, was that his mother returned to the same beach where she birthed KP2 and she gave birth to a brother for him, and this time she nursed her baby instead of abandoning him. ( )

This was a very engaging story of a Hawaiian Monk Seal and the marine biologist who studied and cared for him. KP2 (Kauai Pup 2) was abandoned at birth and survived but soon took to hanging around people too much. Circumstances soon dictated that the best place for him would be the marine lab at UC-Santa Cruz under the care of biologist Terrie Williams. The book is informative and very readable. Science without being sciencey. Anyone with an interest in endangered species, marine biology or conservation would love it. There are probably less than a 1000 Hawaiian Monk Seals left on earth, and despite the precariously low numbers, the book still ended on a hopeful note. And happily, KP2 lived on at the end. Highly recommended! ( )