TikTok videos featuring 'Neil the Seal' have gone viral, bringing him internet fame.

A small town along the coast of Australia has adopted an unlikely mammal as its mascot, which has gained immense popularity online.

A 1,300 pound seal from Tasmania has become TikTok's latest viral sensation, with videos of him knocking over traffic cones, vocalizing at locals, and napping behind a woman's vehicle causing her to miss work.

""Neil the Seal is gaining popularity on TikTok, and one fan is urging others to follow the animal's official page," said a TikToker in a video."

In 2020, a viral southern elephant seal was born in Salem Bay and is one of nine pups born on the island between 1985 and 2022, according to Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Neil, tagged by the department, has been spotted throughout southern Tasmania and has become a fixture within the community.

One user remarked that Neil the Seal, being an ocean puppy and unaware of his TikTok fame, is simply adorable.

The popularity of the hashtag #neiltheseal with over 131 million views suggests that the world is infatuated with Neil.

Conservationists have expressed concern over Neil's rise to internet fame, as Tasmania's Marine Conservation Program revealed in 2022 that he had gained a substantial amount of weight and was spotted in Woodbridge, a town on Tasmania's southeastern coast.

In April 2023, a reminder was posted again urging the public to maintain a safe distance from Neil while he was hauling out on a nearby beach, as it is crucial for seals' annual shedding of their fur.

The agency was compelled to move Neil to a remote location and attach a tracking device to him, citing that certain individuals have disregarded their guidance to remain in the area and monitor his progress.

Viewers have been captivated by videos of locals interacting with Neil, despite warnings, and there are dedicated Instagram and TikTok pages showcasing their coexistence.

A video online shows a man spraying Neil the Seal with water using a hose, while an observer says, "It's amazing what the locals will do for Neil." Another clip shows Neil lounging on a beach, with an onlooker teasing him, calling him "Mr. Sleepyhead."

Despite his growing popularity worldwide, Neil remains oblivious to his status as an influential figure. The portly young man spends his days eating deep-sea squid, sunbathing on roads, and occasionally getting into disputes with law enforcement.

One TikToker's plea for the seal to stay away from traffic cones is captured in the phrase "now you're just being seal-y," as he tells Neil.