Link: https://apnews.com/article/neil-elephant-seal-tasmania-australia-dd46ef42400dc85b92c103d5f10718ef

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Like plenty of local boys before him, Neil has come home to the stretch of Australian coast where he was born. Unlike most of them, he trails fame, fans and property damage in his wake. He is also a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal.

In June, the bellowing and blubbery 5-year-old mammal hauled himself onto land for his twice-yearly tour of beachside towns in southern Tasmania state after months of feeding at sea. That’s posing problems now that he weighs as much as a small car and has a social media following more than double Tasmania’s human population.

His rampage through local infrastructure has claimed bent traffic bollards, a sign warning the public about seals and a fence that did not survive Neil’s attempt to vault it. The rest of the time he lies placidly any place he likes, which is sometimes the middle of the road, bringing towns he visits to a standstill.

Truly a master of how to not GAF.

about 90% of male elephant seals die before they reach a breeding age of around 10, Volzke said.

:'(

Dude should put out a punk album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBzA4rWoDM8

Australia's Beloved Neal The Seal Moves On From Tasmanian Town

Published on Jul 9, 2026