Our very own Neil the Seal has become an online sensation, with his latest visit to a small Tasmanian town racking up millions of views and earning him thousands of new followers.
The 600kg elephant seal, known affectionately as Neil, has been a regular to the state’s beaches in recent years, but has just recently become achieved viral status.
Neil made a surprise appearance in Dunalley earlier this week, following his previous visit to Tasmania in April, where he ‘took over’ Kingston Beach but was eventually ‘evicted’ to prevent him from becoming ‘too comfortable’ around humans.
Neil has been busy keeping the locals entertained for several days now by 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 Neils recent increase in popularity, capturing sometimes dozens of clips every day, including one that showcases a friendly standoff between Neil and a local police officer who have developed a ‘unique bond’.
@jasonhowlett666 #policevsseal #trouble #backtosea #neiltheseal ♬ original sound – Jaycee
“They have a love-hate relationship,” Howlett says in the video.
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).
READ MORE: ‘You’ll cause a power outage’: Neil the Seal’s power box body slams worry Bicheno locals
In an effort to support Neil and the future of the endangered elephant seal species in the state, Pulse, as Tasmania’s most-read digital news publisher, is working with with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to minimise coverage of Neil’s current location whenever possible.
