A Tasmanian TikToker who was fined over $1,200 for getting too close to viral sensation Neil the Seal has successfully raised the funds to pay it off with the help of his followers.
Jason Howlett runs a page dedicated to sharing clips of the marine mammal and has amassed over 1.1 million followers and nearly 21 million likes on TikTok for his Neil videos.
Parks and Wildlife handed him two infringements late last year after he filmed a close-up encounter with Neil at a beach in the state’s south.
One was for $808 for disturbing wildlife on reserve land and the other for $404 for trespassing on reserve land with restricted access.
The TikToker previously called the fine unfair and claimed he did not violate any rules.
“I have nothing but respect for Neil’s boundaries and have educated the general public in doing so,” he said.
@neiltheseal316 Reuniting with Neil the Seal after a few weeks. What a beautiful boy he is 🦭 #swimming #happy #content #neiltheseal @Jaycee ♬ original sound – Neil the Seal 🦭
“I have never disclosed his location on my TikTok as they are saying I do. I have never tried to make money out of Neil.”
Following the incident, Howlett started a GoFundMe to cover the cost of the fine and has since raised the full amount through 32 donations, with the largest being $200, $142 and $100.
In an update on the fundraiser this week, Howlett said he was “flabbergasted” by the response.
“I can’t thank you all enough I really can’t,” he wrote. “Neil the seal have [sic] the most loyal fans in the whole entire world.”
According to Parks and Wildlife, infringements can be issued for any deliberate act contrary to regulations or where educational avenues have been exhausted.
They say members of the public should follow instructions of staff and signage at all times.
