Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, 28 April 2023
Hauled out seal moved to safer location
Marine Conservation Program wildlife biologists and a Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania veterinarian have today moved a hauled out seal from Kingston Beach to a more secluded location to ensure the safety of the seal and the public.
The juvenile southern elephant seal, nicknamed Neil, hauled out near the beach earlier this week. It is normal behaviour for seals to come ashore to rest or moult and the public was asked to keep their distance until it made its way back to sea.
Sadly, some people have not taken this advice and have continued to gather close to the seal, dogs have been brought to the area, and the department received reports of people harassing the seal.
The Department has had staff on site for several days to keep people from getting too close and keep Neil safe but crowds of people continue to arrive and the level of activity is no longer safe.
In considering ongoing safety risks, including being near a road, and balanced with the need for animals to maintain their wild behaviours for long-term survival, a decision was made to relocate the seal to a safer location in the south-east.
Relocating a wild animal of this size is complex and carries its own risks to both the animal and people involved.
Marine Conservation Program wildlife biologist Sam Thalmann said it is important the seal does not become habituated to human behaviours.
“Neil is Tasmania’s only resident elephant seal and will grow to 4-5m in length and about 3500kg in weight,” Mr Thalmann said.
“That’s a very large animal and potentially dangerous if provoked. We want to see Neil reach adulthood and beyond safely so it’s critical he doesn’t get used to being near humans.”
Southern elephant seals are a threatened species. It is an offence to interfere with wildlife.
Robyn Bartle
April 30, 2023 at 20:01
Good luck, Neil! I hope your move to your new spot is successful.
I wish people would just do as they are asked. It’s terrible that people were harassing him.
Janine Bunny
May 1, 2023 at 11:28
People just never learn to leave well enough alone!
This is a wild animal and humans are its worst enemy. I’m so glad he has been moved to a safer spot to enjoy his life without the harassment of humans and dogs.
Holly
May 1, 2023 at 13:42
Good luck, Neil! Stay safe!
Riejet
May 1, 2023 at 18:09
Presumably Neil is sedated in this picture but his eyes look strange and there is something artificial attached to his head in one photo. I am concerned for his future. Transparency is important if humans are to trust and co-operate with authorities.
Chief Editor TT
May 1, 2023 at 18:33
He has been fitted with a tracker which is the device you have noted.
Wendy Harbottle
May 2, 2023 at 08:35
Stay safe, Neil.
Leanda davison
May 2, 2023 at 09:33
I am so pleased that the Tasmanian authorities did the right thing and relocated Neil, something so unlike the Norwegians who euthanised poor Freya.
Animals give us so much – indeed more than we deserve. They need to be respected.
Lindy Connal
May 2, 2023 at 15:57
Thanks to the Marine Conservation Program wildlife biologists, and a Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania veterinarian, for your kindness in removing Neil and not euthanising this wonderful creature.
TW
May 2, 2023 at 17:28
I knew the moment I saw the first news report about Neil that people wouldn’t respect his boundaries. Too many idiots out there.
I’m glad in this case that the authorities decided to act and moved him for his own safety. I just hope he will continue to remain well, and won’t be too stressed after all the activity of the past week.