Neil the seal gets 30-metre protection zone
Tasmania's government released a plan to protect the famous elephant seal. Visitors must stay at least 30 metres away from him.
Why it matters
The rules protect a beloved animal from stress and misuse. They also keep crowds safe around a powerful animal that weighs about 1,000 kilograms.
In Australia. Tasmania's most famous seal now has legal protection and formal management, backed by 110,000+ people who signed a petition demanding safeguards.
Key facts
- 6 years old
- Neil's age
- approximately 1,000 kilograms
- Neil's weight
- 30 metres
- Protection distance
- 110,326 people
- Petition signatures
- Neil is a six-year-old southern elephant seal born on Tasmania's coast who has visited the state twice yearly since 2020 and become a social media sensation.
- New rules require people watching to stay at least 30 metres away when he rests on the beach.
- Dogs, vehicles, drones and boats must also keep their distance nearby.
- The state is also trademarking the "Neil the Seal" identity to prevent commercial misuse.
- Breaking the protection order can result in fines and legal action.
- The management plan also applies to other southern elephant seals in key coastal areas.
- Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the measures protect both Neil's safety and the public's.
