We’ve got an update on the endangered Hawaiian monk seal that killed several pups on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands before being removed.

The seal, named Kakoa, stayed at the Waikiki Aquarium briefly before moving to California. He came out of quarantine Monday at the University of California Santa Cruz. 

Scientists there are studying his eating habits. KTVU reports:

It’s unknown why the species is dwindling, but scientists suspect they are competing for food with other marine mammals and fishermen.

Traci Campbell, Kakoa’s trainer, points out on the animal’s back numerous shark bites. In this controlled environment, the monk seal is much calmer and is being trained to work with humans so research can begin.