Wildlife authorities have issued a plea for help after Tasmania’s favourite southern elephant seal was again spotted on the state’s shores.
Neil the Seal, as named by locals, found viral fame on social media late last year for his antics, tormenting residents and stopping traffic since his birth on the Tasman Peninsula in October 2020.
As he grows to 5 meters in length and about 3,500 kg in weight over the next couple of years, Marine Conservation Program (MCP) biologists are warning that he is a wild animal and could be unpredictable and dangerous if harassed.
“We want to see his life continue to stay wild. It’s normal for seals to come ashore to rest and moult after long trips at sea to forage and it’s important that seals are left alone to do that,” biologist Dr Kris Carlyon said.
“Although we understand the temptation to visit Neil, we are asking all members of the public to stay away.”
In April 2023, Neil had to be relocated during one of his many visits as people disregarded requests to keep their distance and even brought dogs near him.
MCP sedated him during the move “as a last resort” and fitted him with a satellite tracker, allowing monitoring of his foraging behaviour, location and movements.
“Tasmania is incredibly lucky to have an endangered elephant seal choose to haul out regularly on our shores, allowing people to get a rare glimpse of these amazing animals without having to travel to their sub-Antarctic stronghold and providing the public with opportunities for learning and appreciation,” Dr Carlyon said.
“However, the logistic challenges of managing human interactions are not insignificant and, if Neil is to remain protected, Tasmanians also have a responsibility to act respectfully and sensitively.”
While Neil might find a new home on the remote Macquarie Island in the future, authorities expect him to return to Tasmania twice a year – once to moult and again to breed.
Anyone with concerns about the seal can call the marine mammal hotline on 0427 942 537 (0427 WHALES).
