Neil the seal returns to Tasmania, heads back to sea

A general view of Neil the seal, a 1,000-kilogram elephant seal who returns to southern Tasmania twice a year, on a residential street in Tasmania, Australia, Monday, July 6, 2026. Credit: ETHAN JAMES/AAPIMAGE

Southern elephant seal Neil has returned to Tasmania once again this year. After coming ashore for several weeks during his annual moulting season, he has now safely made his way back to the sea. Mayumi Horikawa reports from Tasmania.

---

In this photo provided by Sam Volker Photography, Neil the Seal, a 1,000 kg (2,200 pound) elephant seal, rests against a sign post as moves through an area in Tasmania, Australia, on June 27, 2026. (Sam Volker Photography via AP) Source: AP / Sam Volker

Listen to SBS Japanese Audio on Tue, Thu and Fri from 1pm on SBS 3. Replays from 10pm on Tue, Thu and Sat on SBS1. Listen to past stories from our podcast. Download the free SBS Audio App and don't forget to visit SBS Japanese Facebook and Instagram page!