Federal wildlife authorities are investigating an incident captured on video that appears to show a person kicking a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego.
A spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating that their Office of Law Enforcement is reviewing the social media video. In the footage, an individual is seen appearing to kick the sea lion as it attempts to move away, while another person can be heard laughing.
The individual involved has not been publicly identified. Sea lions are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which mandates that people maintain a distance of at least 50 feet (15 meters) from these animals, according to NOAA guidelines.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria condemned the act as "disgusting" and "unacceptable." He confirmed the federal investigation and stated that he has instructed local law enforcement to review the video footage as well.