By Rani Fletcher

Topic: Animal Behaviour

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:44 pm

People try to get Neil to leave the road.

In short:

A five-year-old elephant seal named Neil has returned to land in Tasmania.

A video shows wildlife staff using a pole and board to move Neil off a road.

What's next?

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment said they used safe methods to relocate Neil.

Tasmania's Department of Natural Resources and Environment defended using a padded pole and board to move Neil.

A video shows two staff members poking and hitting Neil with a pole and board to get him to move.

Neil is not impressed by what is happening.

The Department said the methods used were internationally recognized and did not harm Neil.

Neil has become popular on social media for his appearances on land.

People use a pole and board to try to get Neil to safety.

Neil is a 1,000-kilogram 'teen' who might be looking for a fight

Neil was born in 2020 and was tagged on his tail flippers before he was weaned.

Neil often goes to areas with people and may interact with them, which can be dangerous.

Neil eventually turns and heads for the grass, watched by a crowd.

Moving Neil off the road was important to protect the community and Neil.

As a subadult, Neil's behavior has changed, and new techniques are used to ensure everyone's safety.

Subadult elephant seals are like 'teenage boys'.

Ian Field has been researching elephant seals for 15 years.

Neil has a tracking device attached to him to monitor his movement.

Dr. Field said juvenile and subadult elephant seals, like Neil, can be aggressive.

Neil has a song and merchandise, and many people follow him on social media, which worries wildlife experts.

Dr. Field said subadult elephant seals are like teenage boys who want to fight and interact.

Dr. Field said moving them requires caution.

To move them, you need to seem bigger and more dominant.

You need to use something that the seal can feel to show you are dominant.

Neil makes trouble outside a real estate agency.

People in Tasmania should report southern elephant seal sightings to the Whale Hotline.

People should not disturb southern elephant seals and keep a 20-meter distance.

People with dogs should keep them on a lead and at least 50 meters away from seals.

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