Monachus monachus | Liri beach | 5.10.2025

Today, during an exploration of a sea cave, we encountered a male Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), a critically endangered species and one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. We have named him Nereus, after the ancient sea god of Greek mythology. Out of respect for his space and the possibility that other seals might be resting deeper inside, we refrained from venturing further. Instead, we immediately exited the cave and quietly followed Nereus as he made his way back out to the open sea. Encounters like these remind us of the importance of leaving nature undisturbed and allowing these magnificent animals the peace they need to survive and recover. 💙 #MediterraneanMonkSeal #MonachusMonachus #Greece #MarineConservation #SeaCaves