在引发社交媒体热潮并导致塔斯马尼亚南部乡村地区交通拥堵的一吨重南象海豹“尼尔（Neil）”，目前已返回海中。[1] 塔斯马尼亚自然资源与环境部证实了这一消息，并表示对于该物种而言，这种行为属于正常现象。 [1] “尼尔”是一只五岁的雄性南象海豹，其体重约为 1000 公斤。 [1]
此前，由于大量游客聚集观看导致公共安全隐患，当局曾警告公众与“尼尔”保持至少 20 米的距离，并要求狗只需拴绳且保持在 50 米以外。[1] 塔斯马尼亚自然资源与环境部强调，若无法保障公共安全，将采取安乐死等极端措施作为最后手段。 [1] “尼尔”自 2024 年脱落卫星追踪器后便未再被定位。 [1]
Neil, a five-year-old male southern elephant seal weighing approximately one tonne [1], that recently caused significant traffic congestion on beaches in south-eastern Tasmania has been confirmed by authorities as having returned to the ocean [1]. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania stated this movement is consistent with normal behavior for the species [1]. Following a period where Neil was not tracked via satellite since 2024 after shedding his tag [1], public safety concerns arose due to large crowds gathering to view him on land [1]. In response, officials warned the public to maintain at least a 20-metre distance from the animal and instructed dog owners to keep their pets leashed while staying more than 50 metres away [1]. Authorities emphasized that euthanasia would be considered only as a last resort if public safety could not be guaranteed [1].