A 600 kilogram southern elephant seal from Tasmania named Neil the Seal has over 45,000 Instagram followers and has become a social media celebrity due to his viral success.
But local officials and marine specialists are becoming increasingly concerned about how his burgeoning fame may be affecting his health.
Experts stress the need of keeping in mind that Neil is a wild animal, even in spite of the fact that his humorous actions have made headlines and drawn attention from all over the world.
Professor Mary-Anne Lea of the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies warns that as Neil gets bigger, his hormones and natural behaviors can cause unexpected interactions.
Neil’s antics have included obstructing traffic, sleeping in front of nearby establishments, and generating disturbances, raising concerns about possible threats.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania states that while southern elephant seals may move quickly due to their size, they can become hazardous if they are disturbed.
The original goal of the Instagram account chronicling Neil’s adventures was to inform residents of Tasmania about his actions.
But after speaking with marine biologists, the account holder decided not to share his real-time whereabouts due to worries about his safety.
Concerns have been raised by TikTokers’ growing interest and the possibility of human engagement.
Lea compares this situation to that of Freya the walrus, whose encounters with people in Norway resulted in her being put to death for safety reasons.
Even while Neil’s actions might appear funny, specialists emphasize that in order to preserve his long life, it’s crucial to acknowledge his wild side and maintain a respectful distance.
