Australia has once again proven that its wildlife operates on a completely different schedule than the rest of the world, as Neil the Seal — yes, that’s his actual name, and yes, it’s perfect — has finally returned to the sea after an extended and wholly unauthorized vacation on land.
Neil, a southern elephant seal of considerable size and apparently even more considerable confidence, had been making himself at home in Tasmania in the way that only a 300-plus kilogram marine mammal truly can: by simply existing somewhere and daring anyone to do something about it. Locals, wildlife officials, and presumably several very nervous dogs spent weeks monitoring the whiskered celebrity as he lounged about with the unbothered energy of someone who has absolutely nowhere to be.
Southern elephant seals are known to haul out on land periodically to rest, molt, or simply contemplate the crushing indifference of the universe — scientists are still debating which one Neil was doing. What made his visit particularly memorable was the combination of his spectacular bulk, his photogenic face, and the fact that he had chosen a rather inconvenient location to conduct his extended sabbatical.
Wildlife authorities monitored Neil carefully throughout his stay, repeatedly assuring the public that he was fine, healthy, and simply doing seal things — which, to be fair, is exactly what you’d want a seal to be doing. The concern, as always with these charismatic megafauna situations, was that well-meaning humans might attempt to intervene, assist, or — the eternal temptation — pet him.
Eventually, as mysteriously as he’d arrived, Neil slipped back beneath the waves and returned to whatever deep-ocean agenda he keeps to himself. He left behind no forwarding address, no explanation, and frankly, more questions than answers.
Where did he go? Why was he here? Will he be back? Neil isn’t saying. And honestly, that kind of mystique is exactly why he has more fans than most people.
Source: CNN
Original story via Reddit Offbeat
