NPR
Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a trouble-making seal
Friday, July 3, 2026
A 5-year-old seal known as Neil has become the subject of public attention in Tasmania. Neil has reportedly bent traffic bollards and blocked roads in the area. Australian officials have requested that fans respect the animal's privacy. Neil has amassed a social media following of approximately 1.2 million people, which exceeds twice Tasmania's population of roughly 540,000.
Original reporting: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/03/g-s1-131911/australia-trouble-making-seal