Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothing
Summary
Neil is a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal who returns every six months to southern Tasmania, Australia, where he causes property damage and disrupts local areas. Officials warn that his growing social media fame is causing crowds that might jeopardize both Neil’s safety and the public.Key Facts
- Neil is a 5-year-old male elephant seal, weighing about 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds).
- He visits southern Tasmania’s beaches twice a year after feeding at sea.
- Neil has damaged traffic bollards, signs, fences, and cars during his visits.
- He often rests in places like roads, which can stop traffic in towns.
- Neil has a TikTok following of 1.4 million people, more than double Tasmania’s human population.
- Experts say Neil’s behavior is normal as he practices for fights he would have with other seals in the wild.
- Officials are concerned that Neil’s popularity leads to risky human-seal encounters.
- Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources asks fans to respect Neil’s space to keep everyone safe.
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