“You can’t come in… You’re too big.”
Tasmania’s world-famous Neil the Seal has returned to the Tasman Peninsula town of Dunalley, with one local resident sharing a video of the 600kg elephant seal knocking on her front door.
“I have told you… We can’t keep ya,” the woman could be heard telling Neil in the video.
Neil has been a regular to Tasmania’s beaches in recent years, but has just recently achieved viral status.
@seal.shack Neil the Seal returns to Dunalley to say ‘good morning’ at 5am #neiltok #neiltheseal #Tasmania #seals #summer ♬ original sound – seal shack
Neil has been busy keeping the locals entertained since early December – blocking streets, using road posts for scratching and sleeping in front of people’s homes.
Videos show locals interacting with the seal, including one man who gave Neil a morning wash with his garden hose, despite the seal causing damage to his house.
Local TikToker Jason Howlett has been behind Neil’s recent increase in popularity, capturing sometimes dozens of clips every day.
According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, an average of 12 elephant seals are reported in the state each year.
They say Neil, who could grow to 4-5 metres and around 3500kg, is currently ‘hauling out’ and should not be approached by anyone.
“Hauling out is normal behaviour for a seal and it should be left alone to rest,” Marine Conservation Program (MCP) wildlife biologist Sam Thalmann said.
“The seal appears to be in good condition and may simply be resting after foraging at sea. Seals also haul out to undergo an annual moult.”
“It is important people stay at least 20m from the animal and don’t disturb it. Pets should be kept on a leash and away from the seal.”
“While it may appear calm and relaxed, it is still a large wild animal [that could kill you].”
If you have any concerns about Neil, you can contact the marine mammal hotline at 0427 WHALES (0427 942 537).
