US officials investigate after video appears to show person kicking sea lion | California

Federal wildlife officials launched an investigation after video emerged showing a man kicking a protected sea lion on a beach in California.

A spokesman for the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) confirmed an investigation into the incident had been launched but declined to provide additional details on Sunday.

In the video, a person can be seen kicking a sea lion in San Diego’s La Jolla Bay, and at least one person can be heard laughing in the background. The person follows the sea lion and kicks the animal harder as it tries to escape before the video ends.

“NOAA Fisheries Law Enforcement is investigating reports of a video on social media showing an interaction between an individual and a sea lion allegedly in La Jolla Bay,” a spokesperson for the agency said. “The video shows the individual kicking the sea lion. This is an ongoing investigation and we cannot provide any further details at this time.”

The identity of the person in the video has not been publicly disclosed.

Sea lions are federally protected Marine Mammal Protection Act. Noaa’s guidelines say people should stay at least 15 meters (50 ft) away from sea lions, seals and other species protected by law.

“This disgusting animal cruelty is unacceptable.” in question San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria acknowledged the federal investigation in a post on X and said he had directed local law enforcement to review the footage.