By Jano Gibson

Topic: Animals

On July 9, 2026, at 11:57 am

Many people visited Neil the seal on land.

In short:

Neil the seal may have gone back to the sea.

Neil was born in 2020 and returns to the area twice a year.

What's next?

Neil may have moved to a different place.

The authorities think Neil may have left his spot near Hobart.

Neil stayed at Seven Mile Beach for several weeks.

People liked watching Neil's funny actions.

Many people went to the beach to see Neil.

The authorities made a plan to keep people and Neil safe.

A guard watched over Neil at all times.

Neil's actions made him popular on social media.

Neil may come out of the water somewhere else.

It seems Neil went into the water at night.

The authorities said Neil may have left the area.

This is what seals do, and it was expected.

The authorities are watching the area.

An expert says we should respect Neil as a wild animal.

Neil was born in 2020 and comes back twice a year.

Dr Clive McMahon said it's normal for seals to go back to the sea.

Neil weighs one tonne.

If Neil left, he may have gone to the south-west of Tasmania.

Dr McMahon said Neil looks for food in the sea.

Neil may come back in summer to change his fur.

Dr McMahon hopes people will respect Neil's space.

People should give Neil room to rest and behave naturally.

Neil's actions are normal when he's alone.

The authorities moved Neil from a road.

If you see Neil, call the marine mammal hotline.

People should stay away from Neil and not touch him.

More news from Tasmania

Topic: Indigenous Australians

Topic: Urban Development

Topic: Climate Change

On July 9, 2026, at 11:57 am

On July 9, 2026, at 12:04 pm

See more ABC news

Luyện nghe