The true cost of Neil the Seal’s trail of cute destruction during his stay in south Tasmania has been revealed.
Neil, weighing an estimated 1000kg, paid a visit to Clarence from June 24 with hundreds of posts online covering the southern elephant seal’s antics.
But his visit came at a cost, with the City of Clarence having the receipts to show for it.
The authority posted an invoice for his 34-night stay and the damage he caused, with a total bill of $31,540.53.
As well as the staff hours of managing traffic and crowds, the bill also included $1297.70 in materials to repair a sign, 10 billboards and one section of fence.
Labour came to $26,520.08, equipment another $3608.00 and $114.75 in plant hire.
However, the five-year-old will not be out of pocket, as the council credited the full balance thanks to Neil’s “tourism ambassador services, community joy and exceptional cuteness”.
The public don’t know when and where Neil will pay another visit to shore, but Mayor Brendan Blomeley warns “while the damage bill is relatively small, Neil is a wild animal and the over exposure and constant public attention he received could have led to a more dramatic outcome.”
“Wherever he decides to come ashore next, I hope he is given the space and time he needs,” Mr Blomeley said.
“Most of this cost was related to staffing and labour. 131.5 standard work hours and 144 overtime hours were required during Neil’s stay.
“As far as damage goes, Neil’s scratching up against public property meant one sign, 10 bollards, and one section of fence will need to be replaced, equating to around $1,297.70 in materials.”
While many people saw Neil as playful, the public have been reminded that distance must be kept from elephant seals as they are wild predators.