💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
Rescue Crew training at La Jolla Shores, Jan 8 2026
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Cormorant rescued at La Jolla Tide pools on Wednesday January 7.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Rescue Crew in Action: Training to Save Coastal Birds
Last week, Wildlife Jewels hosted a hands-on Rescue Crew training in La Jolla focused on coastal birds. Using props, we practiced responsible response skills—how to recognize signs of distress, coordinate safely, and support bird rescue when professional help is needed.
Rescue Crew training at La Jolla Shores, Jan 8 2026
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: La Jolla Shores Prop Training
Last week, Wildlife Jewels hosted a hands-on Rescue Crew training in La Jolla focused on coastal birds. Using props, we practiced responsible response skills—how to recognize signs of distress, coordinate safely, and support bird rescue when professional help is needed.
It was inspiring to see everyone who attended show up with such care, focus, and dedication to protecting our coastal wildlife. Special thanks to Joop Kuhn for leading the training!
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Cormorant rescued at La Jolla Tide pools on Wednesday January 7.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla
Photo of a precious Brown Pelicans at La Jolla Cove, Captured © Wildlife Jewels/ Azi
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla 💙🌙
Tonight, a cormorant entangled in fishing line was reported by caring beachgoers who stayed with him and helped keep him safe. With quick coordination, the bird was safely contained and promptly transported to San Diego Humane Society (Project Wildlife) for evaluation and treatment.
We’re wishing him a full recovery and hope he can return home soon. 💜
Human-caused hazards like fishing line can be devastating for wildlife. Thank you to everyone who showed compassion and reported the entanglement.
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Cormorant rescued at La Jolla Tide pools on Wednesday January 7.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)for Birds
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew (Pilot Program) for Birds | La Jolla Cove and North County San Diego.
Photo of a precious Brown Pelicans at La Jolla Cove, Captured © Wildlife Jewels/ Azi
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)
Have you ever spotted injured or entangled birds along the coast and thought… What should I do? 💙
Wildlife Jewels is building our Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)—a trained volunteer network focused on responsible observation and reporting, helping route wildlife concerns to permitted responders in La Jolla and along the North County San Diego coast so wildlife can get help as quickly as possible.
We’re currently accepting Rescue Crew interest applications.
Next week, we’re kicking off 2026 with a Zoom orientation + prop training for selected applicants as part of our onboarding process.
If you’re passionate about helping protect our precious birds, we’d love to hear from you.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Photo/video of a precious California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. She was entangled in discarded fishing gear, spotted by our EYES La Jolla team, rescued by San Diego marine mammal responders, and is now healing beautifully.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)
Wildlife Jewels® is launching the Rescue Crew (Pilot Program) in La Jolla to support responsible wildlife observation, reporting, and coordination with authorized responders along the Southern California coast.
Photo of a precious Brown Pelicans at La Jolla Cove, Captured © Wildlife Jewels/ Azi
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)
Along the Southern California coast, wildlife can face injury, entanglement, and other hazards. Wildlife Jewels® is launching the Rescue Crew (Pilot Program) in La Jolla to strengthen responsible observation, reporting, and coordination with permitted wildlife responders.
What the Rescue Crew Is
The Rescue Crew is a trained, invite-only volunteer initiative focused on helping ensure wildlife concerns are observed, documented, and routed to appropriate response pathways. The program complements Wildlife Jewels® EYES™ initiative and prioritizes wildlife safety, public education, and legal compliance.
What the Rescue Crew Is Not
The Rescue Crew does not replace authorized wildlife responders and is not a public dispatch service. Wildlife emergencies should always be reported to authorized responders first.
How to Get Involved
Participation begins with an interest application, followed by orientation and training. Activation and field roles depend on completion of onboarding requirements and applicable approvals.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Photo/video of a precious California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. She was entangled in discarded fishing gear, spotted by our EYES La Jolla team, rescued by San Diego marine mammal responders, and is now healing beautifully.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
SPOTTED: Meet Jade — A Precious Sea Lion’s Story of Rescue and Hope 💚
Meet Jade — a beautiful sea lion who we recently spotted during our EYES La Jolla monitoring, with a severe entanglement around her neck. Thanks to the quick action of San Diego marine mammal responders, the lines were successfully removed, and she’s now healing beautifully.
Photo of a precious California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. She was entangled in discarded fishing gear, spotted by our EYES La Jolla team, rescued by San Diego marine mammal responders, and is now healing beautifully. Captured by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Meet Jade — a precious California sea lion who was severely entangled and treated by San Diego marine mammal responders. No fishing line is visible in this footage from our recent observation. She still has a clearly visible neck scar from past entanglement and is on her way to healing.
Sadly, several entangled sea lions remain at La Jolla Cove. Each sighting and report can mean the difference between life and death. Timely, detailed information — including the exact location, time, and clear photos or video — helps rescue teams respond effectively.
If you see an entangled or distressed sea lion:
• Do not approach — give space and use zoom.
• Report immediately with time, exact location, and photos/video.
• In San Diego, call SeaWorld Rescue at (800) 541-7325.
💙 Join Wildlife Jewels® EYES™ La Jolla to help spot, document, and report hazards threatening our coastal wildlife. Every observation helps protect these magnificent marine neighbors.
💙 Your actions can help save lives.
To learn how you can support the Wildlife Jewels EYES program in locating and reporting distressed wildlife, Click HERE.
To Report Entangled Wildlife, Click HERE.
📞 Marine Mammal Rescue Hotlines:
📍 San Diego County: SeaWorld Rescue: (800) 541-7325
📍 Orange County: Pacific Marine Mammal Center: (949) 494-3050
📍 Los Angeles County: Marine Mammal Care Center: (800)-39-WHALE
How You Can Help:
Report Distressed Sea Lions: If you encounter a sea lion showing signs of distress, contact the nearest marine mammal rescue center immediately.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the sea lion and guard the animal until rescuers arrive.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the sea lion to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
Every single wildlife is precious and every single wildlife counts. Join us in this critical mission to save our magnificent wildlife.
Photo/video of a precious California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. She was entangled in discarded fishing gear, spotted by our EYES La Jolla team, rescued by San Diego marine mammal responders, and is now healing beautifully.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove Urgently Needs Help!
We encountered this precious sea lion at La Jolla Cove on July 5th. If you see her—or any other entangled sea lions, seals, or seabirds—please report the sighting immediately using our Entangled Wildlife Form and the rescue hotline numbers provided in the link below.
Photo: Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove, August 20, 2025 by Azi S. / © Wildlife Jewels. During our Wildlife Jewels EYES coastal monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we observed this entangled sea lion, whom we have named Quartz the Sea Lion. We strive to her raise awareness of her struggle, and highlight the devastating impacts of discarded fishing gear on wildlife.
⚠️ Content Warning: This video contains distressing footage of an entangled sea lion with a visible neck wound. It is shared to raise awareness about her heartbreaking condition and the devastating impact of discarded fishing gear on wildlife.
On August 15 and again on August 20, during our Wildlife Jewels EYES monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we observed this precious sea lion suffering from entanglement. She is likely the same individual we documented and reported back on July 5.
We have reported her to the licensed marine mammal rescue authorities. If you see her—or any other entangled wildlife—please report the sighting immediately using our Entangled Wildlife Reporting Form and the rescue hotline numbers provided in the link below.
💙 Your actions can help save lives.
To learn how you can support the Wildlife Jewels EYES program in locating and reporting distressed wildlife, Click HERE.
To Report Entangled Wildlife, Click HERE.
📞 Marine Mammal Rescue Hotlines:
📍 San Diego County: SeaWorld Rescue: (800) 541-7325
📍 Orange County: Pacific Marine Mammal Center: (949) 494-3050
📍 Los Angeles County: Marine Mammal Care Center: (800)-39-WHALE
How You Can Help:
Report Distressed Sea Lions: If you encounter a sea lion showing signs of distress, contact the nearest marine mammal rescue center immediately.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the sea lion and guard the animal until rescuers arrive.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the sea lion to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
Every single wildlife is precious and every single wildlife counts. Join us in this critical mission to save our magnificent wildlife.
During our Wildlife Jewels EYES coastal monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we observed this entangled sea lion, whom we have named Quartz the Sea Lion. We strive to her raise awareness of her struggle, and highlight the devastating impacts of discarded fishing gear on wildlife.
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove 16 November 2024
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
The Cliffside Crystals: Resilience of a Gull Family Facing Plastic and Feeding Hazards
✨ This gull family, lovingly named The Cliffside Crystals, has been monitored by Wildlife Jewels since nest building at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Despite ongoing challenges from human disturbance, both parents and fledglings continue to persevere—shining as a symbol of hope along our coastline.
Image Title: Wildlife Jewels’ “The Cliffside Crystals”
Species: Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)
Location: La Jolla, California
Date of Observation: August 15, 2025
Source: Wildlife Jewels® EYES Monitoring Program | by Azi S. / © Wildlife Jewels®
Description: ✨ This gull family, lovingly named The Cliffside Crystals, has been monitored by Wildlife Jewels EYES since nest building at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Despite ongoing challenges from human disturbance, both parents and fledglings continue to persevere—shining as a symbol of hope along our coastline.
We’re happy to share that one of the precious gull families we’ve been monitoring since nest building — whom we’ve named The Cliffside Crystals — are doing well.
On July 30, we witnessed a troubling incident: an adult gull was fed a plastic-covered sauce packet (about 3x2 inches) by a beachgoer. The mother swallowed it, spit it out, and then fed it to her two fledglings — one of whom swallowed it. We’ve been monitoring them closely ever since.
As of our August 15 monitoring, we’re happy to see the fledgling is still doing okay — two weeks after the incident.
🚫 Please DO NOT FEED FULLS. Human food is harmful to their health and can cause malnutrition, dependence, and unsafe behaviors. Even more concerning, adults often pass these items directly to their young.
♻️ Please DO NOT LEAVE TRASH ON THE BEACH. Plastics and food packaging — like chip bags, candy wrappers, and sauce packets — can easily be mistaken for food and cause serious harm to wildlife. Even small items left behind put birds and marine animals at risk.
Let’s keep our coastline safe and our wildlife wild. 🌿💙
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
Video: Western Gull family at La Jolla © 2025 Wildlife Jewels® | Filmed by: Azi S. | During Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Monitoring
Description: ✨ This gull family, lovingly named The Cliffside Crystals, has been monitored by Wildlife Jewels EYES since nest building at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Despite ongoing challenges from human disturbance, both parents and fledglings continue to persevere—shining as a symbol of hope along our coastline.
Our Post From July 30, 2025
💔This precious 7-week-old fledgling gull chick whom we’ve named Labradorite the Gull— and her devoted parents — have been part of our EYES wildlife monitoring program since the day she hatched.
We’ve watched her grow from a tiny egg into a strong precious Gull, just weeks away from independence. But recently, her family was harassed — chased, hit with objects, and left with plastic waste. Tragically, she ingested one of the pieces of plastic coated in potentially toxic sauce. It was beyond heartbreaking to watch, as the chicks were below the cliff, we were unable to intervene before they ingested the plastic.
⚠️ Gulls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to harm, harass, or disturb them.
These birds — like all wildlife — deserve respect, space, and a clean home.
Please:
🚫 Don’t chase or throw objects at wildlife
🚯 Don’t leave food or plastic behind
💬Report when you see harassment
📢 Share this to raise awareness
❤️🩹 They deserve to grow up safe and free.
Want to help us monitor these precious gulls and other coastal wildlife? Support Wildlife Jewels’ EYES program.
How You Can Help:
Report Gulls: If you encounter a distressed Gull contact San Diego Humane Society or SeaWorld Rescue.
Keep your Distance: Maintain at least 12 feet distance from the gulls nest area and stay quiet around the nest.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the Gulls to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
To REPORT A VIOLATION or Harrassment of Wildife
1- Submit Report to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters)
2- Submit Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
Wildlife Jewels EYES: Western Gull Family, July 30 2025, © Wildlife Jewels
"Every single wildife is precious. Every single wildlife counts. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent wildlife." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Western Gulls, May 9 2025, and May 17, 2025 at La Jolla
Photo: Pelican with injured foot (May 2025), Nesting. Western Gull (May 2025), Distressed Sea Lion Pup (June 2024), Seal Pup (May 2025) at La Jolla Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Mysterious Illness Strikes Gulls — How You Can Help Save Them
🆘 Our Precious Gulls Need Your Help!
A devastating illness is suddenly impacting gulls across Southern California, leaving many sick and dying. Every moment counts — we need your help to spot and report distressed gulls before it’s too late.
Image description: A distressed Gull spotted and rescued by Wildlife Jewels EYES collective staff and community volunteers at Crystal Cove State Park | Wildlife Jewels Rescue, August 2024 © Wildlife Jewels®
Our Precious Gulls Need Your Help!
A devastating illness is suddenly impacting gulls across Southern California, leaving many sick and dying. Every moment counts — we need your help to spot and report distressed gulls before it’s too late.
Although most reports so far have come from Malibu to Redondo Beach, we’re also seeking volunteers to monitor Orange County and San Diego beaches as a proactive measure.
Wildlife Jewels is seeking volunteers to join our EYES Monitoring Team to help locate and report gulls in need of rescue.
👉 Join here
Do you have experience — or an interest in learning — how to safely rescue and transport distressed wildlife?
Learn how you can apply to join our Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew and support wildlife in urgent need.
Not able to commit to regular volunteering? That’s okay! You can still help as a WJ EYES Community Reporter — spotting and reporting distressed gulls during your beach walks.
👉 Join here
For questions: Email Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org
What to watch for:
Dehydration or weakness
Difficulty standing or walking
Partial or complete paralysis
Confusion or disorientation
Difficulty blinking or keeping eyes open
Your quick action could save a life — help our precious gulls get the urgent care they need.
Learn more about the illness at the International Bird Rescue
How You Can Help:
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
Donate or become a corporate sponsor of our EYES Program to help us find and rescue distressed gulls and protect other precious wildlife.
If you spot a distressed Gull:
Call your nearest rescue organization ASAP.
Keep your Distance: Maintain at least 12 feet distance from the gulls nest area and stay quiet around the nest.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the Gulls to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
To REPORT A VIOLATION or Harrassment of Wildife
1- Submit Report to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters)
2- Submit Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Wildlife Jewels EYES: Western Gull Family, July 30 2025, © Wildlife Jewels
"Every single wildife is precious. Every single wildlife counts. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent wildlife." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Western Gulls, May 9 2025, and May 17, 2025 at La Jolla
Photo: Pelican with injured foot (May 2025), Nesting. Western Gull (May 2025), Distressed Sea Lion Pup (June 2024), Seal Pup (May 2025) at La Jolla Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Join Wildlife Jewels EYES in Protecting Gulls
💔This precious 7-week-old fledgling gull chick— and her devoted parents — have been part of our EYES wildlife monitoring program since the day she hatched.
Western Gull “Wildlife Jewels Labradorite the Gull“, July 30 2025, by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
💔This precious 7-week-old fledgling gull chick whom we’ve named Labradorite the Gull— and her devoted parents — have been part of our EYES wildlife monitoring program since the day she hatched.
We’ve watched her grow from a tiny egg into a strong precious Gull, just weeks away from independence. But recently, her family was harassed — chased, hit with objects, and left with plastic waste. Tragically, she ingested one of the pieces of plastic coated in potentially toxic sauce. It was beyond heartbreaking to watch, as the chicks were below the cliff, we were unable to intervene before they ingested the plastic.
⚠️ Gulls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to harm, harass, or disturb them.
These birds — like all wildlife — deserve respect, space, and a clean home.
Please:
🚫 Don’t chase or throw objects at wildlife
🚯 Don’t leave food or plastic behind
💬Report when you see harassment
📢 Share this to raise awareness
❤️🩹 They deserve to grow up safe and free.
Want to help us monitor these precious gulls and other coastal wildlife? Support Wildlife Jewels’ EYES program.
How You Can Help:
Report Gulls: If you encounter a distressed Gull contact San Diego Humane Society or SeaWorld Rescue.
Keep your Distance: Maintain at least 12 feet distance from the gulls nest area and stay quiet around the nest.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the Gulls to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
To REPORT A VIOLATION or Harrassment of Wildife
1- Submit Report to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife CALTIP (Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters)
2- Submit Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
Wildlife Jewels EYES: Western Gull Family, July 30 2025, © Wildlife Jewels
"Every single wildife is precious. Every single wildlife counts. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent wildlife." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Western Gulls, May 9 2025, and May 17, 2025 at La Jolla
Photo: Pelican with injured foot (May 2025), Nesting. Western Gull (May 2025), Distressed Sea Lion Pup (June 2024), Seal Pup (May 2025) at La Jolla Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!