Neil the one-tonne elephant seal causing traffic jams in rural Tasmania has returned to sea – for now
Summary
Neil is a one-tonne southern elephant seal that has been visiting a coastal town in southern Tasmania. After spending weeks on land causing traffic disruptions, he has now gone back to the sea, which is normal for his species.Key Facts
- Neil is a five-year-old southern elephant seal weighing about one tonne.
- He visits the same beach spot in Tasmania twice a year to rest and shed his old skin (called moulting).
- Neil’s visits attracted many visitors and caused traffic jams in the small town.
- Wildlife officials said Neil returned to the sea as expected and may return soon or move to nearby areas.
- Neil was tracked by a satellite device in 2023, but it fell off during his moulting.
- He normally travels over 1,600 km from Tasmania while hunting for food.
- Neil was born in Tasmania, where wild elephant seal colonies were wiped out in the 1800s.
- Authorities warned people to keep a safe distance from Neil for everyone’s safety and said euthanasia would only be considered as a last option.
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