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A new exhibition in Hungary is giving visitors a rare chance to meet the people of ancient Rome through lifelike facial reconstructions based on DNA analysis and forensic science. The exhibition, titled "Once We Were Like You," is being held at the Aquincum Museum in Budapest until Oct. 31. It features highly detailed reconstructions of more than a dozen people whose skulls were unearthed in Aquincum, a thriving Roman settlement on the Danube frontier nearly 2,000 years ago. The reconstructed faces include a blacksmith, a stable boy, a soldier and a slave, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who once lived in the Roman city. "Our main goal was to bring some of these individuals closer to people today," said Loránt Vass, an archaeologist and co-curator of the exhibition. According to the museum, the exhibition seeks to answer questions about everyday people in ancient times—what they looked like, who they were and how they lived. Experts used DNA extracted from the bones to identify features such as skin, hair and eye colour, and even whether a person likely had freckles. The skulls also provided clues about facial structure, age, injuries and diseases. Using these findings, curators created names, occupations and life stories for each reconstructed individual, based on historical evidence and scientific analysis. "We don't know their real names, unfortunately, but we tried to include everything anthropology and genetic studies could tell us about their lives," said co-curator Péter Vámos. One reconstructed figure, named Respectus, is portrayed as a construction worker who earned a living plastering walls and cutting stone. According to the exhibit, years of hard labour left visible marks on his bones. It also suggests he broke his nose and lost a tooth during a tavern fight after drinking wine. Vass said Respectus reflects the lives of many people who lived in Aquincum. Analysis showed that most of the skeletons had signs of inflammation, indicating years of physically demanding work. "They regularly performed hard labour, and many also experienced periods of hunger," Vass said. "This suggests that most belonged to the lower middle class, a group that is rarely remembered in Roman history." Among the 16 reconstructions, six are life-size silicone models that have been carefully painted and fitted with realistic hair, clothing and jewellery. Artist Emese Gábor, who created the silicone models, said artificial intelligence can generate digital images of ancient faces, but physical reconstructions provide a more meaningful museum experience. "They can be viewed from every angle and are life-size," she said. "I rely on scientific methods and combine traditional and modern techniques in this work." DNA analysis also revealed the ethnic diversity of Aquincum's population. The findings showed that, alongside Roman citizens from what is now Italy, the city was home to people whose ancestors came from present-day Scotland and Syria, as well as members of the nomadic Sarmatian tribes. The region's earlier Celtic inhabitants were also represented. Vass said archaeological discoveries often end up as stored artifacts, with little attention paid to the people behind them. "The bodies have no weight, no life, no soul," he said. By recreating the faces of Aquincum's former residents, the museum hopes visitors will see them as people much like themselves. "The title of the exhibition reminds us that they were like we are today," Vass said. "They had jobs, faced challenges and lived ordinary lives. Their circumstances may have been different, but people are still people. I don't think that has changed much throughout history."

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan. The former actor, who married Britain's Prince Harry in 2018, was nominated on Tuesday in the Outstanding Lifestyle Program category. Her show will compete with A Different Breed, George to the Rescue, The Motherhood and The Wizard of Paws. The winners of the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be announced on Oct. 30 at the Hollywood Palladium. With Love, Meghan features cooking, entertaining and gardening segments, along with appearances by celebrities including Chrissy Teigen and Mindy Kaling. Prince Harry also made a guest appearance. The series ran for two seasons in 2025 and also released a holiday special. Before joining the British royal family, Meghan—then known as Meghan Markle—played Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits from 2011 to 2018. She left the show before marrying Prince Harry. CBS led all networks with 48 Daytime Emmy nominations. The nominees for Daytime Drama Series are Beyond the Gates, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless. The nominees for Lead Actress in a Daytime Drama Series are Stacy Haiduk (Days of Our Lives), Karla Mosley (Beyond the Gates), Michelle Stafford (The Young and the Restless), Heather Tom (The Bold and the Beautiful) and Tamara Tunie (Beyond the Gates). For Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series, the nominees are Eric Braeden (The Young and the Restless), Steve Burton (General Hospital), Scott Clifton (The Bold and the Beautiful), Thorsten Kaye (The Bold and the Beautiful) and Christian Jules Le Blanc (The Young and the Restless). The nominees for Daytime Talk Series are 3rd Hour of Today, The Drew Barrymore Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Live with Kelly and Mark, TODAY with Jenna & Friends and The View. Kelly Clarkson was also nominated for Daytime Talk Series Host. Other nominees include Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro of The View, along with Tamron Hall, Jennifer Hudson and Sherri Shepherd. Clarkson is set to end her seven-season run this fall, while Sherri was canceled in May after four seasons. Meanwhile, ABC's The View is facing renewed scrutiny from federal regulators, who want to revisit whether the program should be subject to equal-time broadcasting rules.

A dog owner has thanked a volunteer mountain rescue team after her Labrador was carried down Britain's highest mountain when it apparently became ill after ingesting cannabis during a hike. Christina Bluhme was climbing Ben Nevis in the Scottish Highlands with her 5-year-old black Labrador, Tokyo, and another dog on July 5 when Tokyo suddenly began staggering, appearing disoriented before losing the ability to walk. "It was a very frightening experience," Bluhme said on Monday. "She had a very bad reaction." Bluhme, who has worked as a dog trainer for 25 years, said she had no idea at the time that cannabis might have caused the dog's condition. The incident comes as cases of cannabis poisoning in pets continue to rise in the UK. The problem is even more common in the United States, where marijuana is legal for recreational use in many states and available for medical purposes in others. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) added marijuana and other drugs to its list of the top 10 pet toxins for the first time in 2023. Its poison control centre reported a 10% increase in calls related to suspected marijuana ingestion compared with the previous year and nearly a threefold rise over the past five years. When Tokyo collapsed, Bluhme, her son Magnus and the two dogs had been climbing for more than three hours and were close to the 1,345-metre (4,413-foot) summit of Ben Nevis. By then, the weather had deteriorated, with rain setting in and temperatures dropping to around 5 degrees Celsius. Realising something was seriously wrong, Bluhme abandoned plans to reach the summit. "I told my son we had to turn back and get her down because something was clearly wrong," she said. Her son called for emergency assistance, but police initially said they were unsure whether a rescue team could be sent. Fortunately, members of the volunteer Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team were already descending the mountain after helping with the helicopter evacuation of an injured hiker. The rescuers placed the 25-kilogram Labrador on a stretcher and carried her quickly down the steep, slippery trail, reaching the base in about an hour. "They were almost running," Bluhme recalled. "I was holding onto the stretcher while they moved so quickly. It was amazing." Police alerted Crown Vets in nearby Fort William, where a veterinarian was waiting when the group arrived. Vets first suspected a spinal problem, but a senior veterinarian later concluded Tokyo had likely been exposed to a neurotoxin after she repeatedly drifted in and out of consciousness. Following consultation with a poison control centre, they determined her symptoms were consistent with cannabis intoxication. Tokyo was treated with activated charcoal and made a full recovery overnight. Although the veterinary treatment cost about 1,000 pounds (around $1,335), Bluhme said she was simply grateful her dog survived. "By the next day, it was as if nothing had happened," she said. "She recovered very quickly, and I'm probably the one who's still recovering from the experience."

Hollywood actor Tom Holland has arrived in Mumbai ahead of the Indian premiere of Christopher Nolan's much-awaited film The Odyssey and is staying at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Videos shared on social media showed the Spider-Man star leaving Mumbai's Kalina Airport in a black car before heading to the luxury hotel. Although his face was not clearly visible, fans quickly identified him. This is Holland's second visit to India after his trip in 2023. Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and actor Matt Damon have also arrived in Mumbai for the film's promotional events. The Odyssey will be the first Christopher Nolan film to have its premiere in India. Universal Pictures International has included Mumbai as an official stop on the movie's global promotional tour, alongside London, Paris and New York. The Taj Mahal Palace's most luxurious accommodation, the Tata Suite, offers two bedrooms, a spacious living room, a formal dining area, a meeting room for up to 15 people, a private office, lounge, spa with sauna, private gym, butler's pantry and the option of connecting to an additional bedroom. The suite combines historic architecture with luxury interiors, featuring heritage furniture, artwork and cultural collectibles. A social media video by Indian-Australian content creator Priya recently showcased the suite, highlighting its apartment-style layout, multiple living spaces, walk-in wardrobe, conference room and wellness facilities. She claimed the suite costs Rs 50 lakh per night, but published reports suggest the actual rate ranges between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 12 lakh per night, depending on the booking. Based on the ancient Greek epic by Homer, The Odyssey follows the legendary journey of Odysseus as he tries to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. The story traces his 10-year voyage, filled with mythical creatures, gods and dangerous challenges after the Greeks' victory over Troy. The film features an ensemble cast including Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Samantha Morton, Lupita Nyong'o, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo and Robert Pattinson. Filmed at locations around the world using IMAX technology, The Odyssey is being promoted as the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras. It is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on July 17. Source: NDTV

Dog owners in Hong Kong can now take their pets to selected restaurants after the city eased a decades-old restriction, marking another step toward creating a more pet-friendly environment. From Thursday, more than 900 approved restaurants have been allowed to admit dogs under the first phase of the new policy. Since 1994, only guide dogs and dogs performing official duties had been permitted inside restaurants under Hong Kong's food business regulations. The move is part of the city's broader efforts to become more animal-friendly. Hong Kong has already allowed pets on certain ferry routes and some rural metro services, while public hospitals have also begun permitting pet visits for patients receiving palliative care. Government figures show that more than 240,000 households in Hong Kong own over 400,000 pet cats and dogs, representing about 9% of all households. At Wan Land Cafe, owner Kelvin Chan has displayed a sign announcing that dogs are now welcome inside. Previously, pets were limited to the outdoor seating area, which was uncomfortable during Hong Kong's hot and humid summer. Although Chan does not expect a major increase in customers, he believes the policy will help build a more pet-friendly and inclusive society. He acknowledged that while many dog lovers support the change, some people may need time to adjust to dining alongside pets. He hopes responsible behaviour by pet owners will gradually make others more comfortable with the idea. "It could become part of our lives," he said. Regular customer Franco Li welcomed the new arrangement, saying his Shiba Inu, Piku, can now stay beside him while he eats and interact with other dogs. "This is such a great step forward for civilization," Li said. Ahead of the rule change, some pet owners enrolled their dogs in special "dog dining etiquette" workshops to help them behave properly in restaurants. Dog trainer Heyton Lee, who has worked with dogs for 19 years, said demand for the training increased before the new measure took effect. His two-hour sessions recreate a restaurant setting, teaching dogs to remain calm around people and other dogs. Owners also learn hand signals commonly used to guide their pets' behaviour. Lee said the training helps dogs become more comfortable in public places and reduces anxiety when interacting with strangers. Under the new rules, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.5 metres (5 feet), held by an adult or tied securely. They are not allowed on tables and cannot eat directly from reusable utensils used by people. Dogs classified by the government as fighting breeds are not permitted in participating restaurants. Restaurants are also prohibited from preparing meals for dogs but may sell pre-packaged pet food. Many restaurants have made preparations to welcome pets, hoping the policy will attract more customers. Old Fung Teahouse, a dim sum restaurant, spent more than HK$10,000 (US$1,276) on improvements, including installing an air purifier, creating a separate dining area for pet owners, and providing pet strollers and cleaning supplies. The restaurant expects the move could increase business by up to 15%. Mainland Chinese tourist Ma Ke praised the restaurant's approach, saying the separate seating area helps customers who are less comfortable around dogs while allowing pet owners to enjoy dining with their animals.  

A famous artwork made entirely of peanut butter has returned to a museum in the Netherlands as a tribute to Dutch conceptual artist Wim T. Schippers, who died last month at the age of 83. More than 800 pounds of peanut butter — enough to make about 15,000 sandwiches — has been spread across the floor of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The artwork, known as Pindakaasvloer (Peanut Butter Floor), was first created by Schippers in 1969. It will reopen to visitors on Friday as part of a two-month exhibition. Besides his work as a conceptual artist, Schippers was also known for providing the Dutch voices of Ernie and Kermit the Frog in the Dutch version of Sesame Street. His artworks often used humour and absurdity to challenge traditional ideas about art. Speaking to reporters during a previous exhibition of the work in 1997, Schippers said, "Isn't it fantastic that we are all standing here looking at peanut butter?" The peanut butter floor was part of his "Floor Covering Series," which also included floors covered with broken glass and salt. Food photographer and writer Mieke Weismann, who visited the exhibition as a teenager in 1997, said the strongest memory she had was the smell, recalling that the scent of peanut butter filled the museum. It took two museum employees several days to spread 40 buckets of peanut butter over a 25-square-metre (270-square-foot) hexagonal floor area. Using drywall trowels, they applied the peanut butter in a layer about two centimetres (0.8 inch) thick. Schippers never set strict rules for recreating the artwork, leaving its size, shape, thickness and even the type of peanut butter open to interpretation. Dutch peanut butter manufacturer Calvé supplied smooth peanut butter for the latest installation. The artwork has attracted unusual attention in the past. During a 2011 exhibition, several visitors accidentally stepped onto the sticky surface. At an earlier exhibition in 1997, a group placed 12 slices of bread and several packets of hagelslag — chocolate sprinkles commonly eaten on bread in the Netherlands — on top of the artwork. Rather than criticising the act, Schippers reacted with humour, telling Dutch newspaper Volkskrant that it "doesn't look bad" and praising the careful way the sprinkles had been arranged.

Virtual taekwondo is rapidly gaining popularity across Southeast Asia as it prepares to make its debut at this year's Asian Games in Japan, attracting athletes with its mix of martial arts and virtual reality technology. Vietnamese athlete Nguyen Thanh Hien Linh remembers feeling completely lost when she entered her first virtual taekwondo competition in Singapore in 2024. "I was just kicking into the air," said the 21-year-old, who is an elite national taekwondo champion. Despite her experience in traditional taekwondo, she had little understanding of the virtual format, its strategies or the technology involved. Two years later, Nguyen claimed a gold medal at a virtual taekwondo competition in Malaysia, reflecting the sport's rapid growth in the region. Initially seen as an experimental format, virtual taekwondo has developed into an organized competitive discipline. It was jointly created by World Taekwondo and Singapore-based technology company Refract Technologies, combining virtual reality with traditional taekwondo techniques to attract younger, tech-savvy athletes. Competitors wear VR headsets that place them inside a three-dimensional digital arena, along with motion-tracking sensors attached to their spine, thighs and shins. Using their body movements, they control digital avatars in non-contact matches, where fast and accurately timed kicks reduce an opponent's virtual health bar. Unlike traditional taekwondo, where athletes compete based on age, weight and gender, virtual taekwondo allows everyone to compete together in the same digital arena. The sport was first showcased during Singapore's Olympic Esports Week in 2023 and hosted its inaugural World Championships there in 2024. Besides its Asian Games debut this year, it is also expected to feature in the 2027 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia. Athletes and coaches say the new discipline offers the physical demands of martial arts without the risk of direct contact injuries. Singapore national athlete Brian Peh, 46, said he had never been interested in gaming before joining the 2024 championship with his son out of curiosity. Both won gold medals and have since taken part in several local and regional competitions. Peh now teaches virtual taekwondo at his dojang, or training hall. "I always tell parents: your kids love games. Do you want them using their hands to play, or using their legs?" he said. "When they put on the headset and start to fight, their energy is so high. They keep playing because they enjoy it." Cambodian coach Vandy Yiv said the sport is attracting increasing interest from children and parents because there is little risk of injury. He noted that a local tournament earlier this year drew more participants in virtual taekwondo than in traditional events. Many people initially assumed it was simply a video game but soon discovered it requires intense physical effort. "Your whole body is moving. There is action, but no injury," Vandy said, adding that he hopes virtual taekwondo will eventually become an Olympic medal event. Some competitors said they experienced dizziness when they first used VR headsets, but most adapted quickly. Teenagers, in particular, have embraced the game-like format. Matches are fast-paced, with one-minute rounds that require constant attacking pressure. Nguyen said success depends on much more than simply throwing kicks. "You have to guess first where your opponent is and move" before they do, she said. Coaches say athletes still need strong physical conditioning despite competing in a virtual environment. Techniques such as front kicks, turning kicks and spinning kicks remain essential, but speed and timing are more important than the force of impact. Malaysian coach Henry Lee said training focuses first on stamina, muscle endurance and flexibility before moving to techniques and tactics. "Strength is about how fast your leg can lift and strike. Speed becomes your power," he said. Lee, who is also an elite national taekwondo athlete, looks for competitors with strong physical ability as well as good "game sense," meaning the ability to judge movement and make quick decisions inside the virtual arena. His 12-year-old student, Victoria Siow, said one of the biggest challenges is judging distance in an environment she cannot physically see. "You have to work on your mind — when to kick, how far to move," she said. "It feels like a game and like a dream at the same time." Raja Mardiah Idris, 45, who trains at the same club, said virtual taekwondo has given older athletes and women more opportunities to compete safely and equally. She also believes it offers children a healthier alternative to spending time on digital devices. "When you wear the VR, everybody is the same," said Raja, a member of a state royal family. "You win through your technique, your strategy and your fitness." She plans to retire from full-contact kyorugi sparring and concentrate on virtual taekwondo, hoping to represent Malaysia at next year's Southeast Asian Games. Malaysia's national virtual taekwondo coach Tony Lee said the sport is still at an early stage. Although VR equipment remains expensive and not widely available, he believes rising demand will encourage more clubs to invest. Malaysia has already introduced national training programmes and coaching certification courses for the discipline. "Virtual taekwondo is our future because young people like gaming," he said.

Prince Harry's upcoming visit to the UK has sparked widespread media attention, with speculation focused less on his charity work and more on whether his wife Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will join him. Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, is due to arrive in Britain on Monday for a series of charity events beginning Tuesday. However, British media have spent the past 10 days discussing whether Meghan and the children will travel with him and whether the youngsters will have a chance to spend time with their grandfather, King Charles. The uncertainty centres on security arrangements. Harry has been seeking government-funded police protection for his family, arguing that it would be unsafe for Meghan and the children to visit the UK without it. The ‘Times’ of London reported on Saturday that, with only days remaining before Harry's first public engagement, very little had been confirmed. The ‘Telegraph’ described the possible meeting between Archie, Lilibet and the King as a "now or never" moment. Harry, a former British Army officer who served in Afghanistan, planned the trip to mark one year before the next Invictus Games, the international sporting event he founded for wounded and injured military veterans. Alongside his charity engagements, Harry is also awaiting a High Court ruling in London on Tuesday in his privacy lawsuit against the publisher of the ‘Daily Mail’. The case, although not part of his official itinerary, has attracted significant media attention. According to British media reports citing unnamed sources, Harry's decision on whether Meghan and the children will join him depends on whether the UK government agrees to provide police protection. Security has remained a key issue during every visit Harry has made to Britain since he and Meghan stepped down from royal duties and moved to North America six years ago. British authorities maintain that Harry is no longer entitled to automatic state-funded security because he is no longer a working member of the royal family. Instead, security arrangements are considered on a case-by-case basis, similar to those for other public figures. Harry, however, argues that his family continues to face security risks because of their royal status and says his children should not travel to Britain without adequate protection. The decision lies with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), the government body responsible for deciding who receives state-funded security. The issue comes at a sensitive time for the royal family, which has faced renewed scrutiny over past links between the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Royal commentator Tina Brown wrote on X that both RAVEC and the royal family were concerned about possible public criticism if taxpayers were asked to pay for security for Harry and his family. Initial reports suggested Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, would accompany their parents to Britain. But those plans appeared uncertain after the ‘Daily Telegraph’ reported that RAVEC had again rejected Harry's request for security. The ‘Times’[ later reported that Harry was deeply upset by the decision and had told friends he would not allow his children to be pursued by paparazzi in London. By Sunday, reports indicated Meghan and the children would not accompany Harry when he arrives in London on Monday, although they could still join him later during the visit. Despite the ongoing disagreements, Harry has repeatedly said he hopes to repair his relationship with his 77-year-old father, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. He also wants Archie and Lilibet, who briefly met King Charles during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, to spend more time with their grandfather now that they are old enough to remember the experience. Relations between Harry and the royal family have remained strained since he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and settled in California, where they pursued commercial media projects. The relationship deteriorated further after Harry published his memoir ‘Spare’, which included critical accounts of the royal family and allegations about the monarchy's relationship with the British media. In the book, Harry accused some members of the royal family of leaking information about relatives to gain favourable media coverage. He was particularly critical of Queen Camilla, alleging that she shared private conversations with the press to improve her public image after her long relationship with Charles before he became king. After losing a legal challenge over his security arrangements last year, Harry said he still hoped to reconcile with his family, while suggesting that he had been denied police protection because he chose to step away from royal duties. "I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," Harry told the BBC. "I don't know how much longer my father has."

Russian daredevil climbers and social media personalities Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus have been arrested after carrying out a dramatic marriage proposal atop New York's Empire State Building. Videos shared widely online show the couple, dressed in black, climbing to the top of the building's antenna without authorization. After unfurling a banner reading, "When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace," Beerkus proposed to Nikolau. Authorities later arrested the pair. They are facing felony charges including burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, as well as misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass. A spokesperson for the Empire State Building said the incident was resolved with the assistance of the New York Police Department and stressed that there was never any danger to tenants, visitors or guests at the building's observation deck. Nikolau and Beerkus are well known for climbing some of the world's tallest buildings without ropes or other safety equipment, attracting millions of followers on social media through their high-risk stunts. Nikolau grew up in a circus family and trained in rhythmic gymnastics before becoming famous for taking photographs from the rooftops of skyscrapers in Moscow. She met Beerkus in 2016, and the two soon began climbing together. According to USA Today, their first major climb as a team was China's Goldin Finance 117 tower in Tianjin that year. In 2022, they also climbed Malaysia's Merdeka 118, the world's second-tallest building. Beerkus has completed several solo climbs as well, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Shanghai Tower in China and Shun Hing Square in Shenzhen. The couple's adventures have been featured in several documentaries, including the 2024 Netflix film Skywalkers: A Love Story. Nikolau has also appeared in the documentaries On the Edge of Freedom and Who Is Next? Outside their climbing exploits, Beerkus produces music, while Nikolau paints and has a background in dance and acrobatics. Their engagement took place atop the Empire State Building on July 1. Source: NDTV

Australian wildlife officials have urged people to respect the privacy of Neil, a one-ton elephant seal whose growing social media fame is drawing large crowds and raising concerns about public safety. Neil, a five-year-old southern elephant seal weighing about 1,000 kilograms, returned to the beaches of Tasmania in June for his regular twice-yearly visit after spending months feeding at sea. While his arrival has delighted many locals, it has also caused disruptions as the giant marine mammal roams through coastal towns. During his latest visit, Neil has damaged traffic bollards, knocked down a warning sign and broken through a fence while wandering through neighborhoods. He is also known for resting in unusual places, including the middle of roads, bringing traffic to a halt. Wildlife officials say the biggest concern is not the property damage but the increasing number of people trying to get close to the seal for photos and videos. Neil has attracted more than 1.4 million followers on TikTok, making him one of Tasmania's most famous animals. His playful but destructive behavior, including nudging parked cars and breaking through barriers set up to keep him away from roads, has made him an online sensation. However, experts say his behavior is normal for a young male elephant seal. Sophia Volzke, an elephant seal researcher at the University of Tasmania, said juvenile males naturally practice fighting skills before reaching adulthood. Since Neil has no other young male seals nearby, he ends up testing his strength on objects such as parked vehicles and roadside barriers. Speaking at a news conference in Hobart on Thursday, Kris Carlyon of Tasmania's Department of Natural Resources and Environment warned that Neil's popularity could put both people and the seal at risk. He said officials had seen people carrying babies close to the seal just to capture photos for social media, describing such behavior as irresponsible. Authorities have also asked the public not to reveal Neil's exact location online, fearing large crowds could force wildlife officers to relocate him if safety becomes a concern. Carlyon pointed to the case of Freya, a walrus in Norway that attracted huge crowds before being euthanized in 2023 after authorities said it posed a growing risk to public safety. "There is a risk here of essentially loving Neil to death," Carlyon said. Elephant seals normally return twice a year to the places where they were born to rest, shed their fur and fast before heading back to sea. Although several seal species sometimes wander into coastal towns, Neil is unusual because he is the only male elephant seal regularly coming ashore in Tasmania. Researchers believe Neil's mother likely came from breeding colonies on sub-Antarctic islands south of Tasmania to give birth. Female elephant seals have also been seen in Tasmania, but they are much smaller than males and generally cause fewer problems. Volzke said elephant seals once lived in greater numbers around Tasmania and may now be returning to former habitats. She said people would need to learn how to coexist with the animals. Neil is expected to grow much larger if he survives to adulthood, potentially reaching about five meters in length and weighing around three times his current weight. However, researchers say around 90% of male elephant seals die before reaching breeding age at about 10 years old. For now, Neil continues to relax wherever he chooses, including a patch of sidewalk where he has repeatedly returned despite being moved by wildlife officers. He has even been spotted playing with an orange traffic cone, much to the delight of his online followers. Local resident Dale Creamer said the famous seal had become something of a hometown celebrity. "He's one of our biggest exports at the moment," Creamer said. "It's Neil's world and we're just living in it."