The 500 kg elephant seal Neil became a star of the Internet

By Tychyna TetianaDec 27, 2023 11:46 AMNews
Share:
The 500 kg elephant seal Neil became a star of the Internet
Neil with cones. Source: www.instagram.com/neiltheseal22

A sea elephant named Neil, who lives in Tasmania, has become famous on the Internet. This large animal weighs about 1300 pounds.

The adventures of this sea elephant are documented on the @neiltheseal22 Instagram account, which has over 63,000 followers. Recently, Neil has become very popular and you can even buy accessories with his image, toys and T-shirts, Yahoo writes.

The account is run by a resident of Tasmania. He constantly introduces readers to Neil's antics and takes videos. They show the seal having fun with traffic cones and demolishing a company's fence in the city of Dunalla.

The account owner decided that he would no longer publish information about Neil's whereabouts to ensure his safety, based on the advice of marine biologists.

At the same time, despite his good-natured appearance, local residents were advised to stay away from the wild animal and respect his personal boundaries to avoid unpleasant situations.

According to media reports, Neil first appeared three years ago, when footage of him playing with traffic cones was recorded, and a photo of Neil sleeping near Hobart was taken.

It is known that Neil was born on the island of Tasman. Biologists from the Marine Conservation Program determined that Neil was a male. Since then, this seal has become a regular visitor to the southeastern coast of the state.

The 500 kg elephant seal Neil became a star of the Internet
Neil playing outside. Source: www.instagram.com/neiltheseal22

Despite warnings about the dangers of interacting with this large animal, the local population tries to communicate with Neil, and he is happy to receive attention. According to experts, Neil most likely spent a lonely childhood without other young seals to communicate and swim with.

It is emphasized that now Neil has a tracking device on his head, as Neil himself "reported" in his blog.

What is known about sea elephants

Southern elephant seals are the largest of all seals. Males of this critically endangered species can reach 13-16 feet in length and weigh up to 7720 pounds. They are rusty-gray-brown in color, covered with a thick layer of fat, and are the deepest-diving of all seals, preferring to eat squid.

These amazing creatures are known as 'elephant seals' because of their distinctive 'trunk' or proboscis, which they use to amplify their vocalizations. Fast and agile, they can be potentially dangerous if frightened or their habitat disturbed.

According to Tasmanian wildlife officials, at about 10 years of age, Neil should be sent to one of the breeding grounds of sea elephants. Presumably, this could be Macquarie Island, Heard and Maatsuiker.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Modern hotel room corner with bedside table, lamp, and neutral bedding

More Hotel Choices Ahead as Scandic Expands into Ireland and the UK

Jul 15, 2025 22:21 PM
Etihad Airways aircraft approaching for landing under clear skies

Etihad Opens New Direct Flights to Uncover Hidden Gems Across Eurasia

Jul 15, 2025 20:37 PM

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat Hotel to Open in 2030 as New Base for Tokyo Getaways

Jul 15, 2025 17:46 PM

Delta Enhances Inflight Dining and Meal Options for Summer Travelers

Jul 15, 2025 11:23 AM
Modern hotel room with bed, desk and en-suite bathroom

Ponce to Gain New Spark by Hilton Hotel Near Local Hotspots

Jul 15, 2025 08:39 AM
Air Canada aircraft taxiing at the airport

From Toronto to Tirana: Air Canada and ITA Airways Expand Travel Routes

Jul 14, 2025 23:47 PM
A Stagecoach double-decker bus stops on a city street in front of a historic brick building

Summer Bus Cuts in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Challenge Access to Outdoor Destinations

Jul 14, 2025 22:31 PM
Aerial view of Silvaplana town surrounded by green fields, forest, and lake in summer

Alpine Town in Switzerland Combines Ski Season with Lake Sports

Jul 14, 2025 21:25 PM
Empty airport gate seating area with modern glass structure

Cancellations and Disruptions: Southend Airport Closed Following Aircraft Incident

Jul 14, 2025 18:48 PM

New Hotel Near Dublin Offers Quiet Alternative for Exploring Ireland's Heartland

Jul 14, 2025 17:32 PM

Finland’s Airports to Operate Normally During Peak July Travel After Strike Threat Lifted

Jul 13, 2025 21:28 PM
Delta Airlines Boeing 767 aircraft climbing after takeoff at sunset

New Direct Flight Links Utah to Peru’s Natural Wonders

Jul 12, 2025 21:36 PM
Interior of a Kimpton Ubud guest room with garden view

Kimpton Hotel to Open for the First Time in Ubud’s Historic Centre

Jul 12, 2025 13:41 PM
Protester in high-visibility vest shouting through megaphone during a strike

Glasgow Airport Strike to Hit Summer Flights and Holiday Plans

Jul 12, 2025 05:27 AM
Modern train traveling through green landscape on Calder Valley route

Calder Valley Route Boost Ensures Smoother Travel During Huddersfield Station Upgrade

Jul 12, 2025 03:34 AM

Croatia Airlines Connects Milan to Zagreb with Direct Flights

Jul 11, 2025 23:45 PM

EDITION Moves Beyond Hotels with Series of Beach Events in Ibiza

Jul 11, 2025 22:52 PM
Stylish bed with decorative pillows and modern lighting in a villa bedroom

Maldives Beach Villas Redesigned to Meet Growing Demand for Privacy and Nature Immersion

Jul 11, 2025 18:38 PM
flydubai aircraft taxiing on airport runway

flydubai Launches All-in-One Summer Travel Packages for Regional Trips

Jul 11, 2025 16:46 PM
Railway maintenance vehicles on track under clear blue sky

Rail Closures on Brighton Line This Sunday Could Disrupt Weekend Travel Plans

Jul 11, 2025 04:23 AM
Eurostar train at a platform inside a modern railway station

Eurostar Updates Route: New Daily Services Between London and Amsterdam

Jul 11, 2025 02:39 AM
Wizz Air aircraft approaching for landing against clear sky

Wizz Air’s Early Return Reconnects Tel Aviv with Key Cities

Jul 10, 2025 23:47 PM

Rail Maintenance in South Wales to Disrupt Travel Near Cardiff Airport and Coastal Attractions

Jul 10, 2025 21:31 PM

Jet2.com Expands UK Winter Flights to Key Alpine Destinations for 2026/27 Season

Jul 10, 2025 19:25 PM
Modern hotel bedroom with dark accent wall and stylish bedding

Bangkok’s Historic Anantara Siam Hotel Updates Facilities While Welcoming Guests

Jul 10, 2025 18:48 PM
Passenger using smartphone during a flight

Free In-Flight Wi-Fi Coming to All China Airlines Cabins This August

Jul 10, 2025 09:32 AM