Whales and walruses in captivity at SeaWorld San Diego are suffering notable psychological as well as physical harm, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) alleged.

In a complaint filed with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees and inspects SeaWorld Animal Parks, PETA alleged that it saw many whales and walruses in SeaWorld captivity with skin lesions, scars and abnormal behavior.

Veterinarian Heather Rally said she witnessed the huge creatures' detrimental behaviors during her visits to SeaWorld San Diego on September 4 and October 18.

Describing what she found during the visits, Rally said, "I personally observed several dolphins that were aggressively chasing, ramming and attempting to bite one another . Several of these animals were also suffering from extensive pathological abnormalities of the skin, including lesions."

PETA urged the federal agency to send its inspectors to probe alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

The renowned group of animal advocates stressed that being held in isolation might be worse for those typically social mammals.

SeaWorld Park, which has branches in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego, came under fire last year, when documentary "Blackfish" showed mistreatment of orca whales and other sea creatures at the parks.