Tasmanian Seal generates great sensation on social media

In recent headlines, a 1,300-pound seal named Neil has become a sensation, captivating a small town along the coast of Tasmania. This Southern elephant seal has gained fame on the internet for his comical gestures like banging parking poles and preventing people from Roaming freely on the road. On one occasion, Neil prevented a woman from going to work by blocking access to her car while she indulged in a nap.

Having become the center of attraction for the local people, local authorities, however, are expressing concerns and warning against such growing human interest in the marine creature. They are cautioning locals to exercise care and restraint in their interactions with Neil.

Neil, a formidable 600 kg (1,322 pounds) Southern elephant seal, hails from Tasmania, an island state in Australia, as reported by various news outlets. Born in Salem Bay in 2020, Neil was tagged by the Marine Conservation Program and has been spotted at various locations in southern Tasmania, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Elephant seals, classified as a threatened species in Australia, typically weigh between 1,500 and 3,700 kg (3,000 to 8,000 pounds) when fully grown. The Marine Conservation Program noted on its Facebook page that Neil has been engaging in “hauling out,” a normal seal behavior where they come ashore to rest for four to five weeks after foraging, before returning to the sea.

Neil’s entertaining gestures have earned him dedicated Instagram and TikTok accounts on social media. As of the latest count, the hashtag #neiltheseal has accumulated over 47.1 million views on TikTok. Locals have shared videos of Neil playing with cones, lounging on roads, and sprawling across lawns.

As Neil’s fame has burgeoned, he has attracted attention not only from the local community but also internationally. In a notable incident in November, Neil disrupted a resident’s routine by taking a nap in front of her car, preventing her from going to work.

Environmentalists are expressing concerns about Neil’s impact on the local ecosystem. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has issued warnings against disturbing elephant seals on land. They are of the view that these creatures pose a danger to humans.

The Marine Conservation Program has consistently urged people and pets to maintain a distance of at least 20 meters (65 feet) from Neil. They have been involved in interventions to relocate Neil and keep his whereabouts private to ensure the safety of both the public and the seal.

Despite efforts to keep Neil’s location confidential, he has been spotted in various places in Tasmania and on social media. Most recently, 7NEWS Australia reported Neil’s presence in Dunalley, a town of 300 people.