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 Update
05/14/26 07:34 PM
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Anneka Svenska
is in Maui, Hawaii.
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19h
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🚨 BREAKING NEWS: MAN CHARGED OVER ATTACK ON HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL “LANI” 🦭
Federal agents have arrested and charged Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, from Covington, Washington, after the shocking viral incident involving beloved Hawaiian monk seal Lani in Lahaina, Maui.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Hawaii, Lytvynchuk has been charged under both the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act after allegedly throwing a large rock directly at Lani’s head while she swam close to shore. Witnesses say the rock narrowly missed her nose, causing the endangered seal to rear out of the water in distress. (Department of Justice)
The horrifying footage sparked outrage across Hawaii and around the world. Witnesses claim Lytvynchuk responded to confrontation by saying he was “rich enough to pay the fines.” (Department of Justice)
Lani is no ordinary seal to the people of Maui. She has become a symbol of hope and healing for Lahaina after the devastating wildfires that destroyed much of the town. Hawaiian monk seals are one of the rarest marine mammals on Earth, with only around 1,600 remaining in the wild. (AP News)
NOAA special agents arrested Lytvynchuk near Seattle on May 13. If convicted, he faces up to one year in prison for each charge, plus fines that could total $70,000. (Department of Justice)
Authorities in Hawaii say this case sends a clear message:
Tourists who abuse protected wildlife will be held accountable. 🌺
#animalwatch #animalnews #hawaiianmonkseal #Maui #Lani #monkseal #hawaii See less
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