Team Billand spent the day with our old friend KP2 at the Aquarium. Barb and I emailed last night and she was commenting on Dr. Terri's book The Odyssey of KP2. I guess the book has shipped and we await the revues (kidding). For those volunteers that were around during KP2s beginning, I know there is a special attachment to this young seal. I am grateful to have been a part of that group.... but more than that, I am grateful he was cared for by people like Dr. Terri, who recognized how special he is. I hope Dr. Terri's book does well for her benefit and for KP2 too.
Thank you Barb for sharing the photos of KP2 & Maka. I think you're right KP2 is due to molt sometime in August.....
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Handsome Dude with a touch of green for that distinguished look
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open wide!
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underwater angle shot makes him look like Flat KP2
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Hi Maka!!! Look at you
Handsome dude just went through a molt
Maka meditation
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4 comments:
A dear friend of mine bought this awesome book for me the other day, and since I began reading it, I cant put it down. Thanks June for a great gift, I love my Odessey of KP2 by Terri Williams. I feel so proud as I am not a reader, never was. I think the only book I finished completely was...Charlottes Web. He.He.
I have the utmost respect for Dr.Terri Williams..she is an extraordinary soul with such knowledge and compassion for all animals in her life. And I am so grateful for her book, as in it, you will read all about the crap this one seal has gone through. You will read all about Terri's experience with KP2. For me, I am thrilled to read every word, feel every emotion as Rob and I along with many other volunteers took part in KP2's life from the Kaneohe Marine Corp Base where KP was held for many months. An experience that has broadened our feelings for monk seals, making us understand what they are all about.
KP2 is truly an AMBASSADOR for all monks. He is so intelligent, comical, strong, accepting of all humans. He is very curious about everything around him. He dont miss nothing. Read Terri Williams book, learn from it, you'll see whatg I am saying.
After reading the book, I told Rob, please, lets go visit our baby boy...its been along time.
Getting there at the Aquarium, my heart was pounding as it always does, visiting this seal. He has been through so much in his little four year life, its incredible.
We paid our $12, skip all other exhibits just to see KP2, its all that mattered to us. Aw, there he is...look at him. So big, long, face not so baby anymore...he is a SEAL, scurrying about in his little enclosure. He has a room mate...Maka, who been living in his enclosure for 28 years. Maka looks great for an elder seal, just got through his molt, very handsome.
KP2 was swimming about, going in circles, then popped out of his pool, on to the concrete, LOOKING. Looking for the trainer at the gate, he knew she was coming..and she did, with a bucket of fish. As soon as that gate opened, KP was right there, wide eyed and ready to grind. The pretty lady tossed some fish to him with some commands and KP did all what she asked of him. AWE...so cute. Like a big Labrador Puppy.
The lady examined his eyes, his mouth with KP opening wide to show his pink mouth and big teeth. I wanted to be in that enclosure with KP.
Maka was vocalizing, grunting, ready for his fish...it was funny and sweet to observe this mighty old soul.
After being examined and fed, Kp went back to his pool for more swimming, constantly swimming, round and round. I called out to him in a soft voice, but he didnt even respond. I was hurt..had he forgotten us???? No, maybe he was just busy swimming. Thats ok.
We stayed for two hours, I loved it, being in his presence. I do wish his enclosure was larger...seals are gypsys of the sea, they explore and travel all around the islands. But I got my fix I guess...it was hard to say goodbye to KP2, but oh I am so thrilled to visit our old friend and feel his soul again.
Thanks to Terri Williams book, and feeling all what she said and done for KP, we wanted to be with him again.
God Bless you Terri Williams, you will never know how Rob and I are so grateful, so appreciative of all your work with the animals in your life..for taking in KP. Your a grate MOM...Your a saint.
And thanks to Beau and Traci for their work with KP...really all good souls...for understanding KP all along and realizing he was worth THE SAVE!!!!!!!!
Barbara Billand
To Barbara and All,
Well darn it you made this scientist tear up with your love of KP2. I wish I could have told everyone's story in his book. Alas so many great loving people that were a part of his life ended up on the editor's cutting floor. So sad. But I tried to mention as many as I could in the acknowledgments so the world would know the extent of his ohana. I hope to come out in October to visit with friends and talk strategy for the species. That was the point of the book really - to make people care. Lets hope that his cute face and amazing story will make folks sit up and notice that people like you all exist and that this is a species worth saving. Love you all, Doc Terrie
Oh my gosh...Terrie Williams????????? Holy cow!!!!! Man you made my ho hum day...EXCITING!!!!
I been thinking of you every day since I got your book, wanting to tell you I love it!!! Every part was honest, cute, funny at times and I knew all of what you were expressing totally. KP2 showed all of us how charming he can be, how sweet, how he has his tantrums if not fed as scheduled. He showed us how brilliant he can be, silly yet so loving too.
This responce is a hug for me..through this blog...I so appreciate your work, how you shared your thoughts, worries, how you stood up and saved our little seal..KP2.
I too, dont want anyone to forget this seal who has come along ways in four years. Good for you Terrie Williams...
Thanks for what you've said today...I am beaming with JOY. I am feeling mighty proud you responded...God bless you!!!
And I wanted to express my sorrow about Austin..Oh my gosh Terrie, that was so touching...I couldnt stop crying through that whole chapter...Mothers Day. I been through alot of AUSTINS in my life..so I know how you felt. HUGS.
Ok, just wanted to say...Thanks for all your hard work..and I am glad you saw the photos of KP2's Visit...HOW COOL IS THIS!!! WOW!!!
I hope one day soon, you can sign my book...it will be an honor. HONEST!!!
with a flipper flex and a snort,
Barbara Billand
Awww Dr. Terrie, no worries, KP2 has his fan club and beyond us he gets lots and lots of visitors... the fact that he comes up to the glass attracts more crowds.
We all know he really wants a good ol' belly rub. Can't wait for your visit it will be nice to spend sometime.
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