Greek authorities are on the hunt for the killer of Kostis, a Mediterranean monk seal who has become a symbol of Greece.
The beloved seal was apparently “executed at close range with a spear gun,” according to a Greek seal charity.
Spokesman, Dimitris Tsiakalos has said the spear probably came from a boat.
Mediterranean monk seals are now considered endangered, and while they aren’t considered critically endangered, researchers warn their survival is “far from secure.”
MOm, the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk, urges anyone with information to contact police and intends to sue the killer.
„The people of MOm (Monachus monachus) fought to keep him alive a few years ago. Yesterday, Kostis was found dead in Alonissos Island/GR, hit by a «speargun»
We do not deserve this planet“
via Tassoula Eptakili fb pic.twitter.com/5sYsJtRLjV— Konstantin Papakostas 🌼🔴🌼 (@KonstPapakostas) July 25, 2021
Kostis will be buried, and samples were taken for further laboratory analysis.
The fisherman who found Kostis off the coast of Alonissos complained about the indifferent attitude authorities seemed to have.
A friendly monachus monachus seal, Kostis, was found dead. Killed by a human with a speargun.
Days earlier, Kostis was playing with folks swimming and diving at the beaches of the island of Alonissos in Greece.
https://t.co/BouyMl3Yro https://t.co/fGAMLJDt59— Panagiotis Moustafellos (@pmoust) July 25, 2021
