The social media sensation, Neil, a southern elephant seal, has garnered global attention for his playful demeanor and unconventional antics like chewing on traffic cones and taking naps in driveways. Despite his charismatic appeal, experts are cautioning against approaching Neil too closely due to the risks associated with large animals interacting with humans in unusual locations.
Neil, who departed from Hobart last year to explore the Southern Ocean, has made a grand return to Tasmania's southeastern shores, much larger in size. Worried about the potential consequences of another social media frenzy surrounding Neil, authorities have opted to keep his current whereabouts confidential to shield him from excessive attention that could endanger his well-being. Dr. Carlyon emphasized the importance of refraining from sharing Neil's location on social media platforms and advised the public to maintain a safe distance of over 20 meters if they encounter him.