Safety fears spark calls for better protections for Neil the seal

Safety fears spark calls for better protections for Neil the seal Mon 6 Jul 2026 at 8:38am In short: Neil the seal is a 1,000-kilogram, five-year-old elephant seal who has been returning to his birthplace of southern Tasmania twice a year. During his time on shore, Neil attracts onlookers, and there are calls for Tasmania to strengthen legislation to provide better protection. What's next? Almost 30,000 people have signed a petition to create restricted access zones around Neil's known habitats. But Premier Jeremy Rockliff says "we don't need to legislate for common sense". As Tasmania's favourite seal, Neil, grows in both size and popularity, wildlife advocates and a local councillor say the state needs stricter rules to protect him. Neil is a five-year-old elephant seal who was born on the Tasman Peninsula and has been returning to the same region twice a year ever since. His antics in beachside suburbs of southern Tasmania have attracted onlookers and an increasingly global audience on social media. But there are fears authorities could be forced to euthanase Neil if members of the public do not keep their distance. Almost 30,000 people have signed a petition in support of creating restricted access zones around Neil's known habitats, "making it illegal for tourists and non-residents to intrude upon Neil's space". "Fines should be implemented to discourage disturbances, ensuring that only those trained and familiar with Neil's behaviours can approach him," the petition reads. Neil is about three metres in length and weighs about 1,000 kilograms. Once an adult, he could weigh up to 4,000 kilograms, and is likely to be more territorial. Wildlife rehabilitator Cory Young said a plan was needed before he gets that big. "As he's aged, he's gotten more attention and more popularity, and, as such, I think that's why we need to do something now before he does get to two, three tonnes," Mr Young said. He said seals could at times spend longer periods ashore, avoiding the sea while moulting. "In the wild, he'd be rubbing up against rocks, up against other elephant seals, basically getting that excess skin off," Mr Young said. "Essentially he's itchy all over his body, and he's trying to remove that." Wildlife advocate Jason Graham also supported the petition. "The last thing we want is to see someone hurt by doing the wrong thing, and definitely we don't want Neil to suffer the consequences of an accident that could occur from people getting too close." Seal safeguards legislated interstate When Neil is ashore, the Natural Resources and Environment Department manages traffic, in some cases closing roads, and advises onlookers to stay at least 20 metres away from the animal. Victoria's Wildlife Act prohibits people from being within 30 metres of a seal on land, and 50 metres if they have a dog with them. Wildlife patrollers monitor known seal locations and can fine offenders $277 on the spot, while those taken to court can face thousands of dollars in fines. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said his government was not considering strengthening Tasmanian laws. "Common sense is what is key here; we don't need to legislate for common sense,"Mr Rockliff said. "There are very clear guidelines around Neil the seal: make sure your dogs are leashed, make sure you have at least a 20-metre buffer." Clarence deputy mayor calls for stronger management Clarence Deputy Mayor Allison Ritchie has written to the state government and Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley, calling for a joint framework to manage current and future visits by Neil and other seals. Cr Ritchie proposed temporary exclusion zones, a coordinated response plan, fines for violations of Neil's space and a public information campaign. "Neil has become a much-loved ambassador for Tasmania, a very welcome visitor who has won the hearts of many," she said. "So I think people want to see a framework moving forward that guarantees Neil's welfare to the best that we possibly can, and to manage that as he continues to grow."