His father was James A. Hamilton, the fourth son of the Scottish laird Alexander Hamilton of Grange, Ayrshire. Recognized for his abilities and talent, he was sent to King's College (now Columbia University) in New York City.
Congratulations to RZ20 for being monk seal of the month! There are around 1,400 endangered Hawaiian monk seals remaining today. Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Hawaii state law. The Hawaiian monk seal is Hawaii's official state mammal. Hawaiian monk seals are part of a healthy Hawaiian ecosystem.
Mediterranean monk seals are the world's most endangered seal species. Scientists estimate that less than 600 Mediterranean monk seals remain. This species was initially threatened by hunting, but now faces a host of threats, including habitat disturbance, coastal development, marine pollution, and hunting by fishermen.