Teen Admits to Kicking Sea Lion in La Jolla Incident
A teenager has admitted to repeatedly kicking a sea lion in La Jolla, according to U.S. prosecutors. The incident was captured in a viral video.

San Diego, CA, August 13, 2026 —
A teenager has admitted to repeatedly kicking a sea lion in La Jolla, California, U.S. prosecutors announced.
The incident, which occurred at an unspecified date, was documented in a video that subsequently went viral. The identity of the teenager has not been publicly disclosed.
Details regarding the exact timeline of the kicking incident and the specific location within La Jolla were not immediately available. The U.S. prosecutors’ office has confirmed the admission but has not provided further information on the legal proceedings or potential charges at this time.
Sea lions are a common sight in La Jolla, a coastal neighborhood known for its marine life. Animal welfare organizations often caution the public against interacting with or disturbing marine mammals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance to protect both the animals and people.
The viral nature of the video brought significant attention to the incident, raising concerns about animal cruelty. Further updates are expected as the legal process unfolds.
Story summarized from the original created by Google News on news.google.com, see more information here.