Relocating a wild animal of this size is complex and carries its own risks to both the animal and people involved. In considering ongoing safety risks, including being near a road, and balanced with the need for animals to maintain their wild behaviours for long-term survival, a decision was made to relocate the seal to a safer location in the south-east. The Department has had staff on site for several days to keep people from getting too close and keep Neil safe but crowds of people continue to arrive and the level of activity is no longer safe. Sadly, some people have not taken this advice and have continued to gather close to the seal, dogs have been brought to the area, and the department received reports of people harassing the seal. It is normal behaviour for seals to come ashore to rest or moult and the public was asked to keep their distance until it made its way back to sea. The juvenile southern elephant seal, nicknamed Neil, hauled out near the beach earlier this week. Marine Conservation Program wildlife biologists and a Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania veterinarian have today moved a hauled out seal from Kingston Beach to a more secluded location to ensure the safety of the seal and the public. Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, 28 April 2023 Hauled out seal moved to safer location
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