Fisherman who killed Kostis, a Greek island's beloved rare seal, by 'blasting it with a spear gun at close range' is wanted by authorities

• Greek authorities are searching for the killer of Kostis, an endangered monk seal
• The seal was 'deliberately killed' off the coast of Alonissos island with spear gun
• Kostis had become mascot for the island after sr 
• WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT 

A fisherman who killed a Greek Island's beloved endangered seal by allegedly blasting the animal with a spear gun at a close range is wanted by authorities. 

Greek authorities are searching for the killer of Kostis, a monk seal who became the mascot of Alonnisos island, a marine protected area, after surviving a cyclone and endearing himself to locals.

Kostis, who was named after the fisherman who saved him as Cyclone Zorbas lashed the Aegean Sea in 2018, was 'deliberately killed' off the coast of Alonissos island, the MOm NGO for the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal said. 

The island is part of the Alonissos and Northern Sporades marine park, Greece's first such park where sea life is protected by law.

It is the largest such protected area in Europe, according to the marine park's website.

'Unfortunately, yet again, it is proven that human wickedness and stupidity have no limits,' MOm said in a statement.  

'The innocent and unaware seal was executed at close range with a spear gun that had a large spear for exactly that purpose.

'This news was received with great grief and outraged not only the people of MOm, who cared for several months for Kostis during his rehabilitation, but also all the sensitized residents and visitors of Alonnisos who had the luck to admire Kostis from close by. 

'The perpetrator obviously won't have the slightest bit courage to come forward and admit his idiotic act.' 

According to the group, Mediterranean monk seals are endangered, and almost half of the remaining population lives in Greece. 

The charity urged anyone with information to contact the police, and says it plans to sue the killer. 

The group had taken Kostis under its wing after his rescue, moving him to a first aid centre before returning him to his natural environment in the Aegean Sea.

But Kostis proved to be very sociable and was often seen lying on boats in the port of Alonissos island, posing for photos.

News of his death caused an uproar, with many people taking to social media.

'We don't deserve this planet. We spoil all beauty,' one Facebook user said.