Clarence City Council is under growing pressure to adopt a formal welfare plan for Neil, a 1,000kg southern elephant seal whose latest return has again disrupted roads and drawn crowds.
Researchers say Neil likely keeps hauling out in Tasmania because he was born there about 12 years ago, probably after his mother gave birth away from the species' usual Macquarie Island breeding grounds.
Jane Younger warned the social-media favorite — followed by more than 1 million people on TikTok — is still a wild marine predator that could seriously injure someone if startled.
Authorities are telling people to stay at least 20 meters away, keep dogs 50 meters back, avoid blocking his path to the sea and follow temporary traffic diversions.
The welfare push reflects a wider risk: if Neil were to hurt someone, experts say he could be euthanised, a concern expected to grow as he may reach 3,500kg.