Tasmania’s most famous marine visitor, Neil the seal, appears to have ended his weeks-long stay on Hobart’s Eastern Shore and returned to the ocean.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Tasmania told local outlet Pulse Tasmania on Thursday that the celebrity southern elephant seal seemed to have departed. “It appears that Neil the seal may have moved on from the area,” a spokesperson for NRE Tas said. “This is his natural behaviour and was expected.”
The department noted that Neil might still reappear at another location.
The five-year-old seal, who weighs approximately one tonne, came ashore in June for his annual moult, a period where elephant seals shed their skin and fur. This process requires them to stay on land for several weeks. Born in southern Tasmania in October 2020, Neil is an unusual case, as most of his species live on sub-Antarctic islands far to the south. An expert from NRE Tas, Dr Kris Carlyon, explained previously that Neil was likely born here because his young mother got “a little caught out” and had to give birth at the nearest possible land.
His extended stay on the Eastern Shore drew significant public and media attention, cementing his status as a global social media star. His presence led to road closures and traffic management measures, with the City of Clarence Council assisting NRE Tas and Tasmania Police to keep both the public and the seal safe.
Throughout his visit, authorities repeatedly urged the public to keep a safe distance. NRE Tas guidelines advised people to stay at least 20 metres away, and to keep dogs on a lead and at least 50 metres away. Dr Carlyon had warned of the risk of “loving Neil to death,” noting that risky behaviour from the public, such as getting too close for photos, could create unmanageable safety concerns.
Now that his moult is complete, Neil’s departure was anticipated by wildlife experts. The NRE Tas Marine Conservation Program continues to monitor the area and has asked the public to report any sightings to its marine mammal hotline.