1-Tonne Elephant Seal Neil Returns to Sea After Weeks in Southern Tasmania
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 9
1-Tonne Elephant Seal Neil Returns to Sea After Weeks in Southern Tasmania
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 9
Summary
Tasmania’s environment department said Thursday that Neil, a 1-tonne southern elephant seal that spent weeks hauled out near Hobart, returned safely to sea overnight.
Authorities said the move was expected natural behavior for the five-year-old, though he could still reappear nearby or continue to southern feeding grounds.
Neil’s departure followed viral street-side antics that drew large crowds and prompted warnings to stay 20 metres away, keep dogs 50 metres back, and avoid blocking his path to water.
Tracking data from a device used until 2024 showed Neil can spend six months at sea, forage more than 1,600 km from southwest Tasmania, and travel over 5,000 km round trip.
Officials say Neil may be among the first southern elephant seals born back in Tasmania after local colonies were wiped out in the 1800s.