Multimedia journalist, Heidi Chang (AAJA Hawaii, Media ’03), is honored to have her photograph of an endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal accepted into the Contemporary Photography in Hawaii 2011 juried exhibition.  The Third Annual Statewide Survey Exhibition is the largest photo exhibit in the Aloha State sponsored by the University of Hawaii at Manoa Pacific New Media.  (The work of 49 artists is showcased in the gallery of Frame Arts Hawaii through April 30, 2011.)

Heidi has worked in TV and radio in San Francisco, Seattle and Honolulu.  As a freelancer, she has also contributed stories to a variety of news sources including NPR, PRI’s The World, Voice of America and Hawaii print media.

About this photo | Kermit the Hawaiian Monk Seal

Kermit, the Hawaiian Monk Seal

What a treat to get a rare glimpse of Kermit the Hawaiian Monk Seal on the beach in Waikiki!  He was recovering from a serious injury: a three-inch long fishhook used to catch Ulua had been stuck in his mouth for weeks.  Fortunately, a NOAA Fisheries team was able to catch Kermit and remove the barbed hook.

Kermit got his nickname from a seal protection volunteer, who thought the seal looked pretty green with all the algae growing on his fur.  It reminded him of the Muppets character, Kermit the Frog, and the song, “It’s Not Easy Being Green.”

Hawaiian Monk Seals are an endangered species, with only about 1,100 remaining in the world. And their numbers are dwindling.

Links:

• More info on Hawaiian Monk Seals from NOAA http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_hawaiian_monk_seal.html
• Contact the EWC Media Chapter