Video appears to show person kicking sea lion: "Disgusting act"

Federal wildlife authorities are investigating an incident captured on video that appears to show a person repeatedly kicking a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed its Office of Law Enforcement is looking into the matter.

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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.

The video footage shows an individual kicking at the sea lion as it attempts to move away. Disturbingly, at least one other person can be heard laughing in the background during the apparent act of animal cruelty. The person in the video has not been publicly identified.

NOAA Fisheries' spokesperson stated that the investigation is ongoing and declined to provide further details. The agency relies on a small number of enforcement officers across California and collaborates with local park rangers and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for presence at popular spots like La Jolla Cove. Volunteers also assist, but they lack enforcement authority.

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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.

Harassing a sea lion is a serious offense under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violators can face civil penalties of up to approximately $36,000 and up to a year in prison. NOAA guidelines recommend maintaining a distance of at least 50 feet from protected marine mammals. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria condemned the act as "disgusting" and "unacceptable," directing local law enforcement to review the footage.

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This disgusting act of animal cruelty is unacceptable.