Neil the seal has become a beloved sensation, charming onlookers both locally and globally with his visits to Tasmania. Yet, his latest sojourn came with a hefty price tag, exceeding $36,000.
The five-year-old elephant seal, native to the south-east of Tasmania where he was born, makes bi-annual appearances to rest and shed his coat.
Neil’s escapades, from squashing bollards and fences to sprawling across serene beachside avenues, have captivated millions on social media, turning him into an online marvel.
During his 15-day respite at Seven Mile Beach, Neil incurred expenses totaling $31,540.53 for the nearby Clarence City Council, primarily due to staffing and labor efforts required for his visit.
There is also a repair bill for one flattened street sign, 10 knocked-over bollards and one crushed fence, costing council $1,297.70 in materials.
Staff, including a 24-hour security presence, spent 275.5 hours managing traffic and crowds and repairing damage.
Council mayor Brendan Blomeley said the overall bill was relatively small.
“Neil is a wild animal, and the overexposure and constant public attention he received could have led to a more dramatic outcome,” Blomeley said.
“Wherever he decides to come ashore next, I hope he is given the space and time he needs.”
Right-to-information documents obtained by the ABC show that Tasmania’s natural resources and environment department has spent more than $45,000 managing Neil’s four haul-outs in 2025 and 2026.
Neil’s June haul-out cost the department $4,794, but it was still calculating the full price tag.
Neil, who currently weighs one tonne, safely returned to sea in early July and is expected to come back to Tasmania later in the year once he’s done feeding in the Southern Ocean.
He was rescued by wildlife authorities after being born on a beach in southern Tasmania.
Experts have said his “jousting” with posts and other objects is natural behaviour, and something seals of his age usually do with each other.
There were once southern elephant seals in Tasmania, but they were wiped out by hunting in the early 1800s.
The species is currently listed as vulnerable in Australia.
“Neil is potentially one of the first southern elephant seal pups to be born back in Tasmania,” department wildlife expert Kris Carlyon has said.
“Regardless of the resource burden and the challenges that Neil throws, we’re pleased to see him.”