A Louisiana couple says they have been receiving death threats after they recorded themselves touching an endangered monk seal during their honeymoon in Hawaii.
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Their video caused outrage on social media after Mark and Lakyn recorded themselves interacting with a monk seal during their vacation on Monday. In the video, Lakyn can be seen touching the seal while it rests on the beach, and moments later, the animal snaps at her as Stephen laughs. Currently, the video has 52,000 views on TikTok but the couple switched their profile to private after receiving numerous death threats for touching the endangered animal.
Since then, the couple issued an apology and said they were unaware of the laws in Hawaii that protect endangered animals. They also paid an undisclosed fine after speaking with National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration officials. In Hawaii, interacting with a monk seal is a class C felony and can result in penalties of up to serving five years in prison plus a $50,000 fine.
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‘We sincerely apologize if we offended any locals. The last thing we want to do is disrespect anyone or anybody’s culture or lifestyle.’
SOURCE: Daily Mail