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

Federal wildlife authorities are investigating a video that appears to show a person kicking a federally protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California. A spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed the investigation, stating that their Office of Law Enforcement is reviewing the footage. The video reportedly depicts an individual repeatedly kicking the sea lion as it attempts to escape, with laughter audible in the background. Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which mandates a minimum distance of 50 feet between people and these animals. San Diego's mayor has condemned the act and directed local law enforcement to review the footage as well. The identity of the person in the video has not been publicly disclosed.

Federal wildlife authorities are investigating an incident at La Jolla Cove in San Diego after a video surfaced showing a person appearing to kick a protected California sea lion. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries confirmed the ongoing investigation into the video, which also appears to capture laughter in the background. Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with guidelines recommending people stay at least 50 feet away. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria condemned the act as animal cruelty and has directed local law enforcement to review the footage. The individual in the video has not been publicly identified.