Authorities Investigate Sea Lion Abuse Incident in La Jolla

WHO:

NY Post - Federal law enforcement officials are investigating the incident.

WHAT:

NY Post - A viral social media video shows a man kicking a sea lion.

ABC News US - The video appears to show a person following the sea lion and kicking at it as it tries to escape.

WHERE:

NY Post - The incident occurred at La Jolla Cove, a beach near San Diego County.

WHEN:

NY Post - The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday night.

WHY:

ABC News US - The investigation is prompted by the abusive actions captured in the viral video.

HOW:

ABC News US - The method of abuse involved a person kicking at the sea lion.

(UPDATED July 26, 2026 18:16 UTC)

Federal law enforcement officials are investigating an incident that occurred at La Jolla Cove, a beach near San Diego County, where a viral social media video shows a man kicking at a sea lion. The video appears to depict the individual following the sea lion as it tries to escape, prompting concerns over the abusive actions captured on film. Authorities are looking into the matter after the incident reportedly took place on Wednesday night.