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!
Celebrating the release of 13 Precious California Brown Pelicans: Huntington Beach
Celebrating the release of 13 precious California Brown Pelicans who were impacted by the recent, devastating domoic acid poisoning crisis.
Photo: A precious California Brown Pelican Released in Huntington Beach in July 2025 by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Celebrating the release of 13 precious California Brown Pelicans who were impacted by the recent, devastating domoic acid poisoning crisis.
Thanks to the expert care and rehabilitation provided by the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, these majestic birds were released back into the wild today by the Center’s dedicated team.
We’re so happy to witness the recovery and well-being of these magnificent pelicans!
Help Us Save Wildlife
Wildlife Jewels® is seeking volunteers and community reporters to help monitor beaches and report distressed wildlife. Learn how you can get involved and Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective Program!
Video/Photos: 13 precious California Brown Pelican Released in Huntington Beach in July 2025 by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Pelicans suffering from Domoic Acid Toxicity. "Captured by Azi Sharif/Wildlife Jewels"
“Every single Pelican is precious and every single Pelican counts. Please join us in this critical mission to save our precious Pelicans. ”
Distressed Pelican "Captured by Azi Sharif/Wildlife Jewels"
California Brown Pelican and Cormorants at La Jolla Cove, "Captured by Azi Sharif/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.
💔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.
Celebrating the release of 13 precious California Brown Pelicans who were impacted by the recent, devastating domoic acid poisoning crisis.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove + Wildlife Jewels EYES Entangled Wildlife Report
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, July 5, 2025 by Azi S. / © Wildlife Jewels
⚠️ 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.
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.
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.
📞 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.
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove 16 November 2024
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla: Entangled Cormorant Urgently Needs Help!
Entangled Cormorant Urgently Needs Help! Today during our EYES monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we spotted a cormorant with a hook lodged in his right foot, a fishing line tangled around his left, and a bobber hanging. His wings may also be entangled—he can’t walk or fly properly.
Entangled Cormorant at La Jolla Cove, June 29, 2025 by © Wildlife Jewels
🚨 Entangled Cormorant Urgently Needs Help! Today during our EYES monitoring, we spotted a cormorant with a hook lodged in his right foot, a fishing line tangled around his left, and a bobber hanging. His wings may also be entangled—he can’t walk or fly properly.
❗ If you see this Cormorant:
1️⃣ Call SeaWorld Rescue at 1-800-541-SEAL (7325)
2️⃣ DM us or email EYES@WildlifeJewels.org with: Close-up & wide photos, Time & location.
Help us save this precious Cormorant.
Want to help us monitor and help save coastal wildife? Support Wildlife Jewels’ EYES program.
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.
Entangled Cormorant at La Jolla Cove, June 29, 2025 by © 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!
Happy Father’s Day from the Western Gulls! 💙
Western Gull fathers play an active role in parenting! After the eggs are laid, both mother and father take turns incubating them. Once the chicks hatch, the fathers help feed and guard their young, keeping a close watch as they grow and explore the nesting area.
Western Gull Family, June 13 2025, at La Jolla by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Western Gull fathers play an active role in parenting! After the eggs are laid, both mother and father take turns incubating them. Once the chicks hatch, the fathers help feed and guard their young, keeping a close watch as they grow and explore the nesting area.
Today, we celebrate the dedication of Western Gull dads and all fathers who protect and care for their little ones. We’ve been privileged to observe and monitor these amazing gull families since they began building their nests in May!
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.
"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!
Nesting Gulls at La Jolla Need Your Help: Join Us in Protecting Them
Last week, we observed several Western gulls peacefully nesting at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Just days later, the beach reopened—and sadly, we’ve since witnessed repeated disturbances to these precious nesting gulls.
Nesting Western Gull, May 9 2025, at La Jolla by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Gulls at La Jolla Need Your Help: Join Us in Protecting Them
Last week during our Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla monitoring, we observed several Western gulls nesting on a peaceful stretch of beach at La Jolla Children’s Pool. They began nesting while the beach was closed (Dec 15–May 15) and didn’t know it would reopen—now their nests are exposed to beachgoers.
Just days later, the beach reopened—and sadly, we’ve since witnessed repeated disturbances to these precious nesting Gulls.
Adults and children have been unknowingly walking, running, and playing just steps away from the active nests—some even picking up items from the sand right next to them. The gulls are stressed, and their fragile nesting efforts are now at serious risk.
‼️Please be mindful: these birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to disturb or destroy active nests with eggs or chicks.
📍We need your help monitoring nesting gulls and other coastal wildlife. Join our Wildlife Jewels EYES Monitoring Group—link below to apply.
Let’s work together to protect the wildlife we all share this coast with.
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.
"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!
Entangled Sea Lion “Jasper“ at La Jolla Cove Urgently Needs Help
We first saw this precious sea lion whom we’ve named Jasper, on May 1st, and again on May 9th. Her condition is worsening as the net cuts deeper into her neck. She urgently needs to be rescued. If you spot her or any other entangled marine mammals, please report the sighting immediately to your local marine mammal rescue team.
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove, May 9 2025, by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
⚠️ Content Warning: Injured sea lion shown
During our EYES monitoring walk at La Jolla Cove, sadly we spotted a precious sea lion entangled in fishing gear.
We first saw this precious sea lion whom we’ve named Jasper, on May 1st, and again on May 9th. Her condition is worsening as the net cuts deeper into her neck. She urgently needs to be rescued!!
Sadly, she has not yet been rescued due to the challenges and limited accessibility of her location.
If you spot her or any other entangled marine mammals, please report the sighting immediately to your local licensed marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center.
To learn how you can support the Wildlife Jewels EYES program in locating and reporting distressed 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.
⚠️ Content Warning: Injured sea lion shown
The following photos and videos shows an entangled Sea Lion with a visible neck wound, shared to raise awareness about her heartbreaking situation, the dangers of discarded fishing gear, and its devastating impact on coastal wildlife.
"Every single Sea Lion is precious. Every single Sea Lion counts. And every distressed Sea Lion deserves treatment, care and a chance to recover. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent Sea Lions." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove, May 1 and May 9 2025, Captured by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove, May 1 2025, Captured by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
🌟 Introducing Wildlife Jewels EYES! 🌟
We’re excited to announce the launch of Wildlife Jewels EYES!
Starting in Newport Beach, Solana Beach, and La Jolla Cove, the Wildlife Jewels EYES™ Program is a proactive initiative that empowers the community to actively search for, spot, monitor, and report distressed coastal wildlife in need of help — while also tracking critical data to support wildlife rescue and protection efforts.
We’re excited to announce the launch of Wildlife Jewels EYES!
Starting in Newport Beach, Solana Beach, and La Jolla Cove, the Wildlife Jewels EYES™ Program is a proactive initiative that empowers the community to actively search for, spot, monitor, and report distressed coastal wildlife in need of help — while also tracking critical data to support wildlife rescue and protection efforts.
📣 Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective
🦭 Become a Volunteer Monitor or Community Reporter
🌊 Join our Partnership Opportunities
🤝 Sponsor or Support the Cause
✨ Every wildlife matters — and every distressed wildlife deserves care. Join us in protecting our precious sea life!
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove 16 November 2024
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 spotted a precious sea lion entangled in fishing gear today just north of La Jolla Cove. If you see her, please report the sighting immediately to help ensure she receives the urgent care she needs.Every single wildlife is unique and precious, and deserves a chance to be rescued.
During our EYES monitoring walk at La Jolla Cove today, sadly we spotted a precious sea lion entangled in fishing gear. If you see her, please report the sighting immediately to help ensure she receives the urgent care she needs.Every single wildlife is unique and precious, and deserves a chance to be rescued.
To learn how you can support the Wildlife Jewels EYES program in locating and reporting distressed 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 Sea Lion is precious and every single Sea Lion counts. Join us in this critical mission to save our magnificent Sea Lions.
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove 16 November 2024
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!