Viral Video Shows Man Kicking Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove; NOAA Investigating

A disturbing video posted to Instagram shows a man approaching a resting sea lion on a low concrete wall at La Jolla Cove, delivering several kicks that send the animal retreating, then mockingly chasing it before abandoning the pursuit. The clip, shared by @pacific.beach and widely circulated online, captures bystanders laughing during the incident.

Bystanders are heard laughing at the wild animal abuse throughout the interaction. Instagram/@pacific.beach

Authorities Reviewing Footage

Investigators with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed they are reviewing the viral video, NBC San Diego reported. San Diego police said they are directing anyone with information to NOAA investigators so the person seen in the footage can be identified and, if appropriate, prosecuted.

The sea lion kicker has not been identified. Instagram/@pacific.beach

Legal And Advocacy Responses

Assaulting a sea lion is a federal offense. Authorities have previously prosecuted similar attacks: a recent case in California resulted in a three-year prison sentence for someone found guilty of assaulting pinnipeds.

San Diego police told NBC San Diego that they are referring anyone with information to NOAA. NurPhoto via Getty Images

PETA: "Assault is ASSAULT, no matter the species," the group wrote on X, condemning the attack and thanking members of the public who reported the incident. "Leave animals ALONE, and always speak up when you witness abuse."

The Sierra Club’s Seal Society initially flagged the incident to local media and called the behavior unacceptable. "That kind of behavior is not acceptable. Whether it's a person being punched or an animal. (The sea lions) are a protected species. That was an assault, and they should be prosecuted for it," said Robyn Davidoff, chair of the Seal Society, to NBC San Diego.

The Sierra Club's Seal Society initially reported the incident, which they told NBC San Diego is unacceptable. NurPhoto via Getty Images

Public Reaction And Wildlife Concerns

Tourists in the area expressed shock and urged legal action. One visiting Texan said authorities should "press charges immediately to the full extent of the law because they're innocent creatures." Others pointed out that posted warnings are often ignored and should carry consequences when violated.

Tourists in the area expressed their horror at the terrible attacks. Getty Images

Sea lions in the region are entering mating season and the summer pupping period, when newborn pups appear onshore. Davidoff told SF Gate that human interaction with pups — such as touching — can interfere with a mother's ability to recognize her pup by scent. She reported higher pup mortality rates in areas open to human contact compared with protected zones.

NOAA continues its review of the footage and has urged witnesses to come forward with information that could help identify the man seen kicking the sea lion. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact NOAA or local law enforcement.