Tasmania’s Neil the seal has found viral fame, leaving experts concerned for his welfare

A marine expert has said that locals should be careful around the seal and remember that he is a wild animal after footage of his antics went viral

The rising fame and viral antics of a 600kg southern elephant seal known for venturing away from the coast and hauling himself about the streets of Tasmania’s southern beach suburbs, have left marine experts concerned for his welfare.

Neil the seal has become a social media celebrity, with an Instagram account that documents his life accruing more than 45,000 followers since he was officially identified on a “haul out”, a period in which seals come to land to rest, in July 2022.