'Neil the seal' is back, as authorities plead for commonsense from human fans | ABC News

Summary

Neil, a charismatic southern elephant seal born in Tasmania in 2020, has become a social media sensation. Despite his popularity, wildlife experts are concerned about the risk of 'loving him to death.' Currently resting after feeding in the Southern Ocean, Neil's location is being kept secret to allow him to recover undisturbed. Authorities urge the public to maintain a 20-meter distance and avoid sharing his whereabouts to prevent disturbances.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Neil is a social media star known for his charismatic personality and antics.
• 🐧 Neil is a southern elephant seal, born in Tasmania's southeast coast in 2020.
• 🌊 After five months of feeding in the Southern Ocean, Neil has returned for rest and recuperation.
• 🏠 Neil frequently visits beachside suburbs around Hobart, where he has become a local celebrity.
• 🚫 Wildlife experts are concerned about the risk of 'loving Neil to death' due to his popularity and close encounters with onlookers.
• 🔒 Neil's current location is being kept a secret to allow him to rest without disturbance.
• 🤫 The public is urged not to share Neil's location on social media to prevent overcrowding and potential harm.
• 🚨 Approaching Neil too closely can be dangerous as he is a wild and unpredictable animal.
• 📅 Neil is expected to stay in the area for the next 4 to 6 weeks before returning to the sea.
• ⚠️ Authorities remind people to maintain a distance of at least 20 meters if they encounter Neil and warn of penalties for disturbing or threatening protected wildlife.

Q & A

Who is Neil and what is he known for?

Neil is a southern elephant seal who has become a social media star due to his frequent appearances in seaside suburbs around Hobart, Tasmania. He is known for his charismatic personality and his size, weighing around 600-700 kilos.

Where was Neil born and what is his current status?

Neil was born on the southeast coast of Tasmania in 2020. He continues to return to beachside suburbs around Hobart and is currently on a well-earned rest after feeding in the Southern Ocean.

Why are wildlife experts concerned about Neil?

Wildlife experts are concerned about the risk of essentially loving Neil to death due to his frequent close encounters with onlookers. They worry that the public's affection might negatively impact his well-being.

What is being done to protect Neil's rest period?

Authorities are keeping Neil's current whereabouts a secret and urging the public not to share his location on social media. They are also asking people to keep their distance and not disturb him.

What is the public being asked to do if they see Neil?

If people see Neil, they are asked to keep their distance, stay away, and not share his location to avoid turning the area into a circus and to ensure he can rest undisturbed.

Why is it important to keep Neil's location secret?

Keeping Neil's location secret is crucial to prevent overcrowding and disturbance, which could disrupt his rest and potentially lead to harm for both Neil and the public.

How long is Neil expected to stay in the area?

Neil is expected to stay in the area for the next 4 to 6 weeks before heading back to the sea.

What precautions are authorities reminding the public to take?

Authorities are reminding people to stay at least 20 meters away from Neil if they encounter him and warning that penalties apply for those who disturb or threaten protected wildlife.

What are the potential risks associated with approaching Neil too closely?

Approaching Neil too closely can be risky because he is a wild animal and unpredictable. There are inherent risks associated with close encounters with wildlife, including potential harm to both the animal and the people involved.

Who is reporting on this situation and where is it happening?

Jon O Gibson from ABC News Hobart is reporting on Neil's situation, highlighting the concerns and measures being taken to protect him.