Neil the one-tonne southern elephant seal, whose beachside antics have attracted millions of views on social media, appears to have returned to sea. The five-year-old seal spent several weeks at his usual twice-yearly haul-out spot in southern Tasmania, crushing signs, lounging on suburban streets, and causing traffic jams.
Departure Confirmed by Authorities
On Thursday, Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) announced that Neil had left the area. “Neil the Seal returned safely to sea last night. This is his natural behaviour and was expected,” the department said in a statement. He may still return to a nearby location in the short term or head to southern feeding grounds. NRE’s marine conservation program is monitoring the situation.
Tracking Challenges
Authorities were unable to directly track Neil. An NRE spokesperson told the Guardian that a satellite tracking device attached to Neil in 2023 fell off during his annual moult “as expected and was recovered in 2024.” “Neil has not been tracked since 2024, as attaching a tracking device is usually done during a specific need like if veterinary or relocation intervention is undertaken,” they said. When tracked, data showed he spent six months at sea, foraging over 1,600km from south-west Tasmania, covering more than 5,000km round trip—normal behaviour for a young male southern elephant seal.
Public Safety Concerns
Neil’s departure came as crowds of visitors reached potentially dangerous levels. Wildlife authorities issued a firm warning, telling people to keep at least 20 metres away, keep dogs on a lead at least 50 metres away, and avoid blocking his access to water. Euthanasia was considered a last resort if public safety could not be guaranteed.
Neil’s Unique Background
Neil was born in southern Tasmania without a colony and is pre-programmed to return twice a year to rest and moult. Tasmania’s southern elephant seal colonies were wiped out by sealers in the 1800s; most now breed on Macquarie and Heard Islands. Kris Carlyon, head of wildlife health and marine life at NRE, said Neil is “potentially one of the first southern elephant seal pups to be born back in Tasmania.” “Regardless of the resource burden and the challenges that Neil throws, we’re pleased to see him,” he said.
Premier’s Reaction
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff commented, “the traffic cones and street signs of Tasmania can breathe a small sigh of relief.” He added, “A big well done for everyone that has treated big Neil with respect and caution while he’s been on land.” Authorities have asked anyone who spots Neil to contact the marine mammal hotline.
