Neil the Seal is a southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). He’s the well-known Tasmanian male that often hauls out near roads and beaches, which is why he keeps showing up in the news and online videos.

Quick Scoop

  • Species: Southern elephant seal.
  • Location: Tasmania, Australia.
  • Why he’s famous: He often rests in human areas and attracts attention because of his size and behavior.
  • Size: Reports describe him as roughly 1,000 kg recently, and southern elephant seals are the largest seal species.

Tiny context

Southern elephant seals are a rare sight in Tasmania, and Neil has become the most famous one because he keeps wandering into populated places. He’s basically a viral wildlife celebrity, not a different kind of seal with a nickname mismatch.

Bottom line: Neil is a southern elephant seal.