The population of the Mediterranean monk seal is estimated at only 400 to 500 animals. The last time a monk seal was spotted on a beach in Israel was 13 years ago.
Female monk seals grow to about 2.5 meters tall and weigh up to 300 kilograms. Once a year they change their fur, which is heavily stressed by life in salt water and sand. It remains to be seen where Yulia alias Tugra will head for a beach next time. And under what name it can then be admired.