NOAA investigates video of person kicking sea lion at La Jolla Cove
Federal wildlife officials are probing a social-media video that appears to show an individual kicking a protected sea lion at a San Diego beach, while local authorities review the footage.
Federal wildlife officials are investigating a video posted online that appears to show a person repeatedly kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California. The footage also captures another voice laughing as the animal tries to move away. The individual in the video has not been identified.
"NOAA Fisheries' Office of Law Enforcement is investigating reports of a video on social media that shows an interaction between an individual and a sea lion, allegedly in La Jolla Cove," a NOAA spokesperson said. "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."
Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which requires people to stay at least 50 feet (15 meters) from the animals. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he has directed local law-enforcement agencies to review the video.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional information about potential charges or identification of the person involved.