Tasmania Warns Crowds to Stay 20 Meters From 1,000-Kilogram Seal Neil

3 articles · Updated · ABC News · Jul 1

Tasmanian authorities said Neil the seal's viral fame is drawing unsafe crowds, with some visitors taking selfies within a few meters of the 1,000-kilogram elephant seal.
Hundreds of people have gathered daily since his recent return, and officials said children and dogs have also approached too closely despite advice to keep 20 meters away and dogs 50 meters back.
Wildlife biologists warned Neil could seriously injure people if he play-fights in public as he would with other seals, while repeated human interaction could also threaten his long-term survival on Tasmania's shores.
Authorities said they want to limit contact rather than remove the animal, stressing euthanasia—used overseas in cases such as Norway's 600-kilogram walrus Freya in 2022—is not part of Tasmania's approach.