Federal wildlife officials have opened an investigation after a disturbing video began circulating on social media that appears to capture a person kicking a protected sea lion at a beach in San Diego, California.
A spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed Sunday that an investigation is underway but said the agency could not share further details at this time.
The footage appears to have been recorded at La Jolla Cove in San Diego. In it, a person can be seen repeatedly kicking a sea lion while the animal attempts to move away. At least one other person can be heard laughing in the background as the individual continues following and kicking the sea lion until the video cuts off.
The agency released a statement about the incident: “NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement is investigating reports of a video on social media that shows an interaction between an individual and sea lion, allegedly in La Jolla Cove. In the video, the individual appears to be kicking the sea lion. This is an ongoing investigation, and we cannot provide further details at this time.”
The individual shown in the video has not been publicly identified.
Sea lions are protected animals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Federal guidelines from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration require people to keep a distance of at least 50 feet — roughly 15 meters — from sea lions, seals, and other species covered under the act.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria took to X to condemn the behavior, writing, “This disgusting act of animal cruelty is unacceptable.” The mayor said he is aware of the federal investigation and has instructed local law enforcement to examine the video footage as well.
