A new campaign featuring a southern elephant seal perched on the bonnet of a car has been launched by RACT.
With the underlying message of encouraging Tasmanians to keep a safe distance from wildlife, RACT says the ‘When Tasmania Happens’ campaign shows unexpected events, such as damage by wildlife, can occur.
RACT Chief Experience Officer Karla Wasinski says the messaging is particularly relevant as elephant seals begin to appear in coastal areas.
“We are all part of the island in which we live, with the weather, the landscape and wildlife. And that is what makes Tasmania very unique,” she said.
“It is a unique campaign and it does have a humorous take and I think that’s important to help capture the awareness and the important message that we’re sending about keeping Tasmanian wildlife protected.”
The advertisement features a CGI-animated seal named Finn, inspired by the state’s own Neil the Seal.
It draws comparisons to similar damages caused by Neil and other seals in the past, including the denting of cars and garage doors and destruction of fences and mailboxes.
Wildlife Biologist Sam Talman said it is incredibly important to give seals space.
“They are a large, powerful and wild animal and the public really need to give them space,” he said.
“Maintain a distance, minimum of 50 to 20 metres. When seals are ashore, they’re generally here to rest.”
“That being said, seals can sometimes engage with other members of the public and local infrastructure on the coastal regions.”
He said it is impossible to predict when seals might appear, with fur, elephant and leopard seals all potential visitors to Tasmanian shores.
“Tasmania’s wildlife is unique and special and we really need to protect it and be aware of them,” Talman said.
“By maintaining their wild behaviours, they have the best chance of survival.”
Drivers are encouraged to slow down for wildlife at dusk and dawn and to be aware of marine mammals and seals in coastal regions.
The CGI seal was created by local artist Adam Walker and his team, alongside local companies Oi Studios and The20, with every one second of animation taking around 170 hours to create.
