Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew

The Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew is a pilot volunteer initiative designed to support timely, responsible observation and reporting of wildlife concerns along Southern California’s coast. The program complements EYES™ by helping ensure wildlife concerns are documented and routed to appropriate, authorized response pathways.

The Rescue Crew does not replace or supersede the role of wildlife authorities, lifeguards, or permitted rehabilitation organizations.

The Rescue Crew is being developed as a trained, invite-only volunteer network that supports wildlife response in coordination with permitted partners and authorities, with an initial focus in La Jolla.

Participation begins with an interest application, followed by orientation and training. Activation and field roles are dependent on completion of onboarding requirements and applicable approvals.

Important note: Rescue Crew volunteers do not handle, move, herd, feed, or transport marine mammals at any time. For seals and sea lions, our role is limited to observing from a safe distance and promptly reporting to authorized responders.

Any hands-on activities (if applicable), beginning with birds, are limited to trained volunteers operating only when authorized, under appropriate supervision, protocols, and required permits or approvals.

Time Commitment
Rescue Crew participation is flexible. Volunteers complete a required orientation and training, with opportunities offered throughout the year. There is no minimum time commitment—just a shared commitment to wildlife safety and responsible action.

Service Areas
Orange County and San Diego County coastal sites, with an initial focus on La Jolla Cove.