Celebrity elephant seal Neil returns to sea after weeks on Tasmania's shores

Neil, a young southern elephant seal weighing nearly 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds), has returned to the ocean after spending weeks captivating residents and tourists in Tasmania, Australia. His seasonal visits have turned him into a local icon, but authorities caution that his growing fame poses risks to both the animal and the public.

The celebrity factor

Neil was born in 2020 on Tasmania's southeast coast, an unusual location since most southern elephant seals are born on remote Macquarie Island, about 1,500 kilometers south Source: CNN. His mother, young and inexperienced, likely gave birth there in 2020, and Neil has since returned regularly to the Hobart area. Each visit draws crowds and goes viral on social media, earning him millions of followers on TikTok Source: Infobae. Videos show him blocking roads, shaking vehicles, and crushing traffic cones. One local resident described being followed by Neil as 'like a giant slug coming toward you' Source: CNN.

Safety concerns

The animal's popularity has alarmed experts. During his latest stay, thousands of people flocked to see him despite warnings to keep distance. Authorities from Tasmania's Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tas) maintained constant surveillance and stressed that even slow movements from such a massive animal can cause injury Source: Infobae.

What's next

While Neil's return to the sea brings temporary relief, scientists note he is still young and could triple in size as an adult, reaching up to 3,600 kilograms and five meters in length Source: Infobae. As he grows, his interactions with urban areas may become more dangerous, raising questions about how Tasmania will manage its most famous resident.