SeaWorld employees harassed while rescuing injured sea lion

OCEAN BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- SeaWorld employees say they were harassed Sunday morning while attempting to rescue a wounded sea lion in Ocean Beach.

According to the employees, a group of hecklers began yelling at them and someone started throwing rocks, which postponed the animal rescue. The rescuers returned with police and the sea lion was eventually pulled to safety. Marine biologists were able to treat the injured animal.

"Thank goodness [the rocks] didn't make contact and no one was injured, including the animal, but it definitely created a hostile environment where we no longer felt safe," said Seaworld employee Kourtney Sanders.

The group of rescuers said they have faced more frequent harassment since the release of the 2013 documentary film "Blackfish."

The movie was highly critical of the methods SeaWorld used to capture and keep orcas and other marine mammals.

SeaWorld has repeatedly said its animals all receive the best care possible.