THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Safety fears spark calls for better protections for Neil the seal The elephant seal has been attracting onlookers in southern Tasmania as well as a growing social media audience. But fears for his wellbeing, and concerns that some people aren't keeping their distance, have led to calls to better protect Neil.

In case you haven't seen the viral videos, Neil is a five-and-a-half-year-old southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) who returns each year to the beaches of Hobart, an Australian capital city, to shed his coat. www.sciencealert.com/neil-the-sea...

Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothing By: Charlotte Graham-mclay, The Associated Press Posted: 11:20 PM CDT Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026 Advertisement Advertise with us Tweet Share Print Email Read Later WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal. Read this article for free: or Already have an account? Log in here » To continue reading, please subscribe: Digital Subscription One year of digital access for only $1.44 a week * Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper Access News Break, our award-winning app Play interactive puzzles *Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time. To continue reading, please subscribe: Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additiona…

Neil the Seal is back as viral elephant seal returns - USA TODAY WILDLIFE Marine animals Add Topic Watch Neil the Seal wreak havoc in Tasmania Julia Gomez USA TODAY July 1, 2026 Updated July 3, 2026, 11:50 a.m. ET Hear this story The beloved southern elephant seal, Neil the Seal, is back in Tasmania , causing havoc yet again and garnering fans through his antics. Video shows Neil flopping his blubbery body around on the street, destroying fences and cuddling with traffic cones. The account that tracks the 5-year-old seal for locals, @ neiltheseal22 , has announced that he's back in Tasmania, an island south of Australia. He'll remain onshore while he has his annual molt, which is when elephant seals grow new hair and skin, ahead of the mating season, according to the organization Friends of the Elephant Seal . This happens because elephant seals do not have blood circulating near their skin while they swim in the cold ocean, so they come ashore to grow new hair and skin and shed the old layers. Watch Neil the Seal cause chaos across Tasmania town When did Neil first appear? Neil made his first appearance on the island at Clifton Beach in 2022, according to ABC News Australia . He …

Neil the seal slips away from Hobart beachNeil the seal slips away from ... The Latest / Wildlife / Hobart Neil the seal slips away from Hobart beach after weeks-long moult Pulse Tasmania Thu July 9, 2026 11:37am Comments Share People have been told to stay at least 20 metres away from the elephant seal. Image / Pulse After weeks hauled out and several days lounging near a beach on Hobart’s eastern shore, Neil the seal appears to have slipped away. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania told Pulse his departure was expected. Advertisement “It appears that Neil the seal may have moved on from the area,” a spokesperson said on Thursday. “This is his natural behaviour and was expected. Neil may return or haul out at another location.” Neil now weighs about a tonne and has become a global social media star. Image / Pulse “The Marine Conservation Program at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania is currently monitoring the situation and the local area.” Neil is a southern elephant seal born in southern Tasmania in October 2020. Neil became famous for sleeping on roads and playing with traffic cones. Image / Pulse He came ashore in June for hi…

Australian officials tell fans to give Neil the seal some flipping space Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 1,000 kg (2,200lb) elephant seal. In June, the bellowing and blubbery five-year-old mammal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania state after months of feeding at sea. That is posing problems now that he weighs as much as a small car and has a...

Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a trouble ... Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a trouble-making seal NPR | By The Associated Press Published July 3, 2026 at 2:39 AM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Sam Volker Photography / via AP In this photo provided by Sam Volker Photography, Neil the Seal, a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal, plays with a traffic cone in Tasmania, Australia, on June 27, 2026. WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal. In June, the bellowing and blubbery 5-year-old mammal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania state after months of feeding at sea. That's posing problems now that he weighs as much as a small car and has a social media following more than double Tasmania's human population. His rampage through local infrastructure has claimed bent traffic bollards, a sign warning the public about seals and a fen…

Viral fame could be dangerous for Tasmania's Neil the seal and his … In June, a bellowing and blubbery 5-year-old elephant seal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania after months of feeding at sea. Neil, the only male elephant seal to visit Tasmania in years, has commanded an enthralled TikTok following of 1.4 million in part because he acts like kind of a jerk. In this photo provided by Sam Volker Photography, Neil the Seal, a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal, nuzzles up to bollards he has damaged in Tasmania, Australia, June 27, 2026. (Sam Volker Photography via AP) In this photo provided by Sam Volker Photography, Neil the Seal, a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal, plays with a traffic cone in Tasmania, Australia, on June 27, 2026. (Sam Volker Photography via AP) In this photo provided by Sam Volker Photography, Neil the Seal, a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal, looks over a bollard he has damaged in Tasmania, Australia, June 27, 2026. (Sam Volker Photography via AP) In this photo provided by Sam Volker Photography, Neil the Seal, a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal, moves through an area with traffic cones …

Who is Neil? The 1-tonne elephant seal and Tasmania's 'reigning troublemaker' winning hearts across social media A 1000 kg elephant seal named Neil has become an unlikely internet sensation on Australia's southern coast. Known for his 'troublemaker' antics like blocking roads and damaging property, Neil's behavior is actually normal for his age as he practices for mating rituals. While his online fame is soaring, officials urge the public to maintain distance, highlighting the real danger lies in humans approaching the massive animal.

Neil the Seal: Tasmania's Beloved Coastal Celebrity Returns Home About Tassie Neil the Seal Returns Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Tasmania’s south-eastern shores are home to a unique wildlife celebrity: Neil the Seal , a juvenile southern elephant seal who has captivated the public with his endearing behaviour. Born in 2020 at Salem Bay on the Tasman Peninsula , Neil regularly delights locals and visitors with his playful antics, from lounging on beaches to interacting with traffic cones. His rising fame on social media has brought attention to the importance of responsible wildlife viewing. Visitors are encouraged to keep a respectful distance, avoid sharing his location online, and support conservation efforts to ensure Neil’s well-being. His presence highlights the magic of Tasmania’s natural beauty and offers a unique experience for those exploring the island. Meet Neil the Seal: Tasmania’s Coastal Celebrity Tasmania’s pristine coastlines are home to various wildlife, but few have captured the public’s imagination like Neil, the juvenile southern elephant seal . Since his discovery, Neil has become a regular visitor to the state’s south-eastern shores, delighting locals …

Neil the seal is more than a viral animal. He’s become a global folk hero Sam Volker/AP I am one of Hobart’s many residents who travelled to a nearby beach to witness Neil the seal – an animal that has been receiving global attention for his wild personality and humorous antics. Neil’s latest arrival in Tasmania was in late June. Due to his celebrity status, a security detail from the local council had been tasked with limiting all pedestrian access to the animal. On my visit yesterday evening, people peered from a distance at the sleeping giant. A constant stream of cars was permitted to travel on the road, slowly, as though on an impromptu safari. The one-tonne creature hadn’t moved much over the previous two days. But since my visit he has returned to the waters, and wildlife managers are now speculating he might have left Tasmania after completing his moulting process. As we wait for Neil to return or head out deeper into southern waters, it’s worth reflecting on the cultural meaning we’ve ascribed to this wild animal. In reality, he’s a five-year-old southern elephant seal who returns to the region to moult and rest. But in our hearts and social media feeds, he has become an …

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal. In June, the bellowing and blubbery 5-year-old mammal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania state after months of feeding at sea. That's posing problems now that he weighs as much as a small car and has a social media following more than double Tasmania’s human population. His rampage through local infrastructure has claimed bent traffic bollards, a sign warning the public about seals and a fence that did not survive Neil’s attempt to vault it. The rest of the time he lies placidly any place he likes, which is sometimes the middle of the road, bringing towns he visits to a standstill. But officials say their biggest concern is that Neil's popularity could lead to ill-advised human-seal encounters that are dangerous for both sides. Neil is a bad boy with a long rap sheet Neil, the only male elephant seal to visit Tasmania in years, has commanded an enthralled TikTok follow…

Neil the one-tonne elephant seal causing traffic jams in rural Tasmania has returned to sea – for now <p>Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the ‘traffic cones and street signs of Tasmania can breathe a small sigh of relief’</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>A one-tonne southern elephant seal named Neil, whose <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/01/neil-the-seal-tasmania-australia-wreaking-havoc-loved">beachside antics</a> have attracted millions of views on social media, appears to have returned to sea.</p><p>The five-year-old has spent several weeks at his usual twice-yearly haul-out spot in southern Tasmania.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/09/neil-the-seal-returns-to-sea-tasmania-australia">Continue reading...</a>

Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton ... Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothingBy CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAYAssociated PressThe Associated PressWELLINGTON, New Zealand WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal. In June, the bellowing and blubbery 5-year-old mammal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania state after months of feeding at sea. That's posing problems now that he weighs as much as a small car and has a social media following more than double Tasmania’s human population. His rampage through local infrastructure has claimed bent traffic bollards, a sign warning the public about seals and a fence that did not survive Neil’s attempt to vault it. The rest of the time he lies placidly any place he likes, which is sometimes the middle of the road, bringing towns he visits to a standstill. But officials say their bigg…

Why 'Neil the seal' is unleashing chaos in Tasmania July 8, 2026 3 min read Add Us On Google Add SciAm Why ‘Neil the seal’ is unleashing chaos in Tasmania This one-ton elephant seal has gone viral for smashing into cars and infrastructure, but biologists have a more poignant explanation for his behavior By Jackie Flynn Mogensen edited by Claire Cameron Neil the seal. Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania/Facebook Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Sign Up for Our Free Daily Newsletter “Neil the seal” is a five-year-old, one-ton, pure chaos southern elephant seal . Rampaging around towns on the Tasmanian coast, Neil has stolen hearts even as he has been spotted overturning road posts, ramming into cars, sleeping in residential areas and blocking traffic. He has a dedicated following of more than 1.5 million social media fans, and it’s easy to see why, says Cara Field, director of conservation medicine at the Marine Mammal Center in California. “I’m a little bit obsessed with him,” Field says. To many onlookers, Neil’s shenanigans appear adorably quirky. But to marine biologists like Field, Neil is simply doing what young male elephant seals are meant to do, al…

Fans urged to respect privacy of one-tonne seal who respects nothing By PA News Agency Share 0 Comments Neil the seal has caused some property damage in Tasmania (Sam Volker Photography via AP) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A one-tonne elephant seal has returned to his birthplace in Tasmania on the Australian coast, causing quite a stir – and property damage. The five-year-old aquatic mammal, called Neil, has a social media following twice the size of Tasmania’s population, and his antics include bending traffic bollards and blocking roads. But officials are urging fans to give Neil space, fearing his popularity could lead to dangerous encounters. They have also urged locals not to post his current location. Neil’s behaviour is normal for seals, but somewhat problematic for human infrastructure (Sam Volker Photography via AP) Neil’s behaviour, such as picking fights with cars, is typical for juvenile seals practicing dominance. Experts say co-existence is key as Neil continues to grow and …

Neil the Seal From Tasmania: Tracking the Internet Sensation - TIME A 1,300-pound seal named Neil has taken over a small town along the coast of Tasmania, going viral for banging parking poles and stopping a woman from going to work after blocking access to her car while napping. While his amusing antics have garnered a following on social media, local conservation authorities have been concerned about the human interest in him and have warned locals to be careful in their interactions with Neil. Here’s what you need to know about Neil the seal. Who is Neil the seal? Neil is a 600 kg (1,322 pounds) Southern elephant seal in Tasmania, an island state in Australia, according to news reports. Born in Salem Bay in 2020, Neil was tagged by the Marine Conservation Program . He has been sighted at a number of locations in southern Tasmania, according to Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Elephant seals are a threatened species in Australia , and full-grown males average between 1,500 and 3,700 kg (3,000 to 8,000 pounds). The Marine Conservation Program in Tasmania said on its Facebook page that he has been “hauled out,” a normal behavior for seals where they come…

Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a trouble-making seal The 5-year-old seal has a social media following twice the size of Tasmania's population, and his antics include bending traffic bollards and blocking roads.