Neil the Seal has quietly returned to south-east Tasmania for a six-week stay without public fanfare, Pulse can reveal, hours after the government released new rules to protect him.
The state’s environment authority has confirmed the viral southern elephant seal hauled out at the end of September.
He has not been seen for several days, so has likely returned to sea, a Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania spokesperson said.
“Neil was healthy and in good condition and was quietly observed by the local community,” the spokesperson told Pulse.
The department believes Neil has gone to forage for food, after having “the time and space to rest”.
Neil last visited Tasmania in July, generating hundreds of millions of views across the globe as he made Seven Mile Beach in Hobart’s outer suburbs his temporary home.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff was asked today why a management plan was needed for one seal.
He said the government wanted to ensure it was “protecting Neil’s safety … and the safety of the community as well”.
Rockliff had previously said people could take a common sense approach.
“I did say, and I remain committed to the fact, that we do need a common sense approach around all our wildlife,” he said.
Neil’s popularity meant “guardrails” were needed, the premier said.
“I just implore people to listen, to protect Neil,” Rockliff said.
“We all love him, proud of him.”
The updated management plan, released this morning, sets out how the department, local councils, Tasmania Police and other groups will work together when Neil comes ashore.
An Interim Protection Order made under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 now requires people to stay at least 30m from southern elephant seals hauling out along southern Tasmania’s coast.
The order also requires dogs to be kept under control, restricts parking near seals and sets separation distances for boats and drones.
Earlier this year, people were asked to stay at least 20m from Neil.
Under the plan, leaving Neil undisturbed is the preferred approach, with fencing, road closures and “hazing” available if risks increase.
Relocation would be considered only in “exceptional circumstances”.
Environment minister Guy Barnett said Neil had become “a much-loved Tasmanian icon”.
“We know Tasmanians love Neil and enjoy following his adventures, but Neil is a threatened species and wild animal, so it is important we all do our part to keep him safe,” he said.
Brand Tasmania has also applied to trademark the name “Neil the Seal” after fraudulent merchandise was sold online.
Rockliff said local artists would still be able to create merchandise under the trademark.
