A 1,300 pound (590 kilograms) Southern Elephant Seal from Tasmania, Australia has stolen hearts and has gone viral after citizens started posting videos showing his occasional treks through their town.
Affectionately named “Neil the Seal” by the residents of the Tasmanian town, Neil has been a frequent visitor of the town of Dunalley and nearby towns because of their proximity to the sea and the beach where Neil and other Southern Elephant Seals lounge to relax. However, Neil has taken to exploring the towns and creating mischief and nuisance.
@nieltheseal Cya my BIG boy we love you Niel 🦭 #goodbyes #wewillmeetagain #nieltheseal ♬ original sound – Niel the Seal 🦭
Because of his size, he is unable to be safely removed from his spots once he starts lying down to sleep. He has been seen sleeping in the middle of the road and had cars re-routed to prevent him and residents from getting hurt, as well as entering open yards and driveways of homes in the area.
One story of a woman unable to drive to work last week, because Neil had taken the time to nap under her car and she had to call her workplace of her absence and the reasoning for it.
@thatgoodnewsgirl A woman had no choice but to stay home from work when Neil the seal chose her front yard as his nap spot. Thanks, Neil! 🦭 Neil the elephant seal is a respected resident in Tasmania. The local marine conservation experts manage an IG account for him: neiltheseal22 📸 Amber Harris / neiltheseal22 #seal #sealtok #marinelife #goodnews #positivecontent ♬ original sound – jenn💜 good news & fun stories
At other times, Neil is observed biting at traffic cones placed around his general area for his protection, as well as other road markers that he deems odd.
@nieltheseal “Its Niel’s world we are just living in it” #nieltheseal ♬ original sound – Niel the Seal 🦭
TikTok viewers just love watching Neil bring his ‘chaotic’ behaviors out and about within the town.
He is such a popular yearly visitor for the surrounding towns, that he has amassed a following and social media presence, specifically an Instagram account run by a psychology student who is a regular visitor to Tasmania and keeps people informed on his location and current napping spot. He also answers important questions about Neil’s behaviors from time to time.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, local wildlife authorities and the Instagram account owner advise locals and visitors who spot Neil to stay at least 10 feet away from him as a means to protect him and as well as the residents.
Neil was born in Salem Bay, Australia, in 2020 and was tagged after being weaned. One of the reasons he has been gaining attention is that elephant seals come ashore to rest for up to four to five weeks after spending extended periods foraging in the open sea. In an interview earlier this year, Anthrozoologist Dr. Bruce Englefield stated that disturbing them can be dangerous, and they could pose a threat by potentially causing harm or even fatalities to humans.
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