From Search to Rescue to Release: A Precious Brown Pelican Flies Free
Follow the remarkable rescue of an entangled Brown Pelican at Crystal Cove, from fishing-gear injuries through rehabilitation to his return to the wild.
California Brown Pelican Release by the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, Huntington Beach, CA September 4 2026
From Search to Rescue to Release
Sometimes, being there, paying attention, and knowing what to look for can change everything.
On the evening of July 22, Wildlife Jewels® Founder and Executive Director Azi Sharif arrived at Crystal Cove State Park to conduct a routine Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew Search Scout survey — part of Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Program and its ongoing work to search for wildlife in distress and document threats along the Southern California coast.
Fishing-gear entanglement was especially on Azi’s mind. Wildlife Jewels had been documenting an alarming number of entangled seabirds, including 10 entangled Brandt’s Cormorants during a single survey at Point La Jolla shortly before that evening.
That awareness mattered.
As Azi began the long walk toward the beach, she saw a park staff member and asked whether they had seen any wildlife in distress.
They had.
An entangled Brown Pelican was on the beach.
In an instant, a Search Scout survey became a rescue mission.
A Race Against Time
It was late in the day, with less than an hour until sunset. The beach was a long distance from the parking area, and the pelican was still mobile. If he entered the ocean, he could become unreachable.
Azi immediately ran back to her vehicle, gathered Wildlife Jewels’ rescue equipment and a large pelican transport crate, and hurried back down the long trail carrying everything she would need to reach him.
When she found the pelican, his condition was heartbreaking.
Fishing line was tightly wrapped around his wing and shoulder, and his wing appeared severely injured. But he could still move — and the ocean was only steps away.
Two compassionate beachgoers offered to help. They carefully positioned themselves to discourage the pelican from moving toward the water while Azi approached with the rescue net.
The first attempt missed.
Suddenly, the pelican began running toward the ocean.
Azi ran after him, reached the shoreline, and managed to get the rescue net completely over him before he entered the water.
He was safe.
From the moment Azi began approaching the pelican to the moment he was safely contained took approximately 15 minutes.
After the search, the rush back through the park for equipment, carrying the large transport crate down the trail, locating and safely containing the pelican, and transporting him out of the park as daylight faded, the rescue mission was complete.
But one difficult question remained:
Would he ever fly again?
California Brown Pelican Rescued by Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew July 22, 2026.
From an Uncertain Future to an Extraordinary Recovery
The following morning, Azi transported the pelican to The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center (WWCC), where the professional rehabilitation team took over his care.
Three fishing hooks and tightly wrapped fishing line were removed, and WWCC provided the treatment and rehabilitation needed for his recovery. Thankfully, X-rays showed no fractures, but the pelican had sustained significant soft-tissue and joint injuries to his wing.
His future was uncertain. With an injury that severe, there was no guarantee that he would regain the strength and function necessary to return to the wild.
Then, little by little, something remarkable happened.
He healed.
Left: California Brown Pelican Entangled found and rescued by Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew July 22 2026 at Crystal Cove State Park
Right: California Brown Pelican rehabilitated at the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center
Through weeks of dedicated treatment and rehabilitation at Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, the pelican regained his strength and progressed until he reached the milestone everyone had hoped for:
He was ready to return to the wild.
And Then, He Flew 🪽
On September 4, Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center released him back to the wild. As his crate opened at the shoreline, he took off.
The pelican whose damaged wing had once made us wonder whether he would ever fly again soared back over the ocean.
And then came an unforgettable sight.
He joined other pelicans flying nearby.
After everything — the entanglement, the race before dark, three fishing hooks, an injured wing, the rescue, and weeks of rehabilitation — this beautiful pelican was once again exactly what he was meant to be:
Wild and free.
His journey was made possible by a chain of people who cared: Wildlife Jewels’ Rescue Crew Search Scout field monitoring, which put trained eyes on the coast looking for wildlife in distress; the park staff member who alerted Azi to the entangled pelican; the beachgoers who stepped in to help; Wildlife Jewels’ rescue and transport response; and the incredible team at Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, whose professional treatment and rehabilitation gave him the chance to fly again.
Why We Search
His story is also a powerful reminder of why we search.
Wildlife Jewels’ Rescue Crew Search Scout surveys are about more than documenting what is happening along our coastline. They put trained, aware eyes in the field looking for wildlife in distress and threats that might otherwise go unnoticed.
That evening, awareness led to action.
A search became a rescue.
A rescue became a second chance.
And a second chance became a flight back to freedom.
Sometimes, extraordinary outcomes begin with something as simple as paying attention.
Watch His Journey From Rescue to Release
From entangled in three fishing hooks and tightly wrapped fishing line, with a severely injured wing, to soaring over the ocean again.
Watch this remarkable journey from Wildlife Jewels’ rescue response through professional rehabilitation at Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center and, finally, his return to the wild.
Fly free. Wishing you a long, beautiful life in the wild. 💙🪽
Sometimes, miracles really do happen. ✨
Help Wildlife in Distress
Wildlife Jewels works along the Southern California coast to search for and identify wildlife in distress, document human-caused threats, respond to wildlife emergencies within the scope of our Rescue Program, and transport rescued birds to licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities for professional care.
Your support helps provide rescue equipment, field supplies, transportation, and other resources needed for this work.
Wildlife Jewels In The News
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Rescued: Entangled Brandt’s Cormorant Gets a Second Chance in La Jolla
After weeks of documenting entangled seabirds at Point La Jolla, a precious Brandt’s Cormorant finally became reachable. Meet Azurite and follow her journey from fishing gear entanglement to rescue and a second chance.
Entangled Brandt’s Cormorant, rescued through a Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew response. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, August 30, 2026.
RESCUED 💙 Meet Azurite.
RESCUED 💙 Meet Azurite.
One of the entangled seabirds Wildlife Jewels has been documenting at Point La Jolla was finally able to receive help.
Azurite, a Brandt’s Cormorant, was struggling with fishing line and a sharp hook affecting her beak. She appears to be one of the entangled cormorants first documented by Wildlife Jewels® at Point La Jolla on July 20 and later featured by the San Diego Union-Tribune and La Jolla Light.
For weeks, she was observed in areas where reaching entangled birds can be extremely difficult.
Then, an opportunity for rescue finally came.
The night before her rescue, a compassionate community reporter photographed Azurite over the wall at Point La Jolla, still entangled and out of reach. The following day, Azurite moved into an accessible area near Point La Jolla, where she was safely contained and transported for rehabilitation. The fishing hook and line were later removed during her care.
The final image shows the actual hook and line removed from Azurite.
Seeing that sharp gear finally off her is a moment of hope — but it also reflects the devastating reality these precious seabirds are facing.
Several more entangled birds, including cormorants, pelicans, and gulls, remain at Point La Jolla, many in areas where rescue access is extremely limited or nearly impossible. We also continue to identify newly entangled birds through ongoing monitoring and community reports.
Azurite was fortunate to move somewhere she could be rescued. Others have not.
Her story is a reminder of why reporting, monitoring, and rapid response matter. When an injured animal can be reached and rescued, that opportunity can mean the difference between continued suffering and a second chance. 💙
If you see an entangled, injured, or distressed bird in the La Jolla area, please report it immediately:
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Community reports play an important role in helping responders locate wildlife in need, assess conditions, and determine whether rescue may be possible.
Every survey matters. Every report matters. Every life matters.
Thank you to International Bird Rescue and Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center for giving Pelican 429 a second chance.
Join Wildlife Jewels EYES or Rescue Crew Search Scout to help us survey coastal areas, document wildlife, identify animals in need, and contribute observations that support wildlife protection and conservation.
Entangled Brandt’s Cormorant, rescued through a Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew response. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, August 30, 2026.
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Entangled Brandt’s Cormorant Rescued at La Jolla Cove
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew rescued a Brandt’s Cormorant entangled in fishing gear at La Jolla Cove and transported the bird to wildlife rehabilitation for care.
Entangled Brandt’s Cormorant,. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, Aug 26, 2026.
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew rescued a Brandt’s Cormorant entangled in fishing gear at La Jolla Cove.
A precious Brandt’s Cormorant was rescued from fishing gear at La Jolla yesterday. 💙
A compassionate community member reported the entangled bird at La Jolla Cove while Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew was already nearby searching for injured and distressed wildlife along the coastline.
Our Rescue Crew immediately responded. With the tide rising and the cormorant at the water’s edge, every second mattered. The bird was safely contained, rescued, and transported to wildlife rehabilitation for care.
Sadly, this was not the only entangled cormorant documented in La Jolla yesterday.
Stay on site and keep her in sight from a safe distance until a rescuer arrives. Immediately:
If you see an entangled, injured, or distressed bird in the La Jolla area, please report it immediately:
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Community reports play an important role in helping responders locate wildlife in need, assess conditions, and determine whether rescue may be possible.
Every survey matters. Every report matters. Every life matters.
Thank you to International Bird Rescue and Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center for giving Pelican 429 a second chance.
Join Wildlife Jewels EYES or Rescue Crew Search Scout to help us survey coastal areas, document wildlife, identify animals in need, and contribute observations that support wildlife protection and conservation.
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew rescues an entangled Brandt’s Cormorant at La Jolla Cove on August 26, 2026.
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Young Western Gull Entangled in Fishing Gear in La Jolla | Wildlife Jewels
Wildlife Jewels is searching for Beryl, a recently fledged Western Gull in La Jolla with fishing line and a lure wrapped around her beak. Learn how to report a sighting.
Beryl the Western Gull, entangled. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, Aug 10, 2026.
Young Western Gull Entangled in Fishing Gear in La Jolla | Wildlife Jewels
💔 She is only about two months old.
It was devastating today to find one of the precious Western Gull fledglings documented through Wildlife Jewels’ near-daily EYES monitoring since her parents were nesting, now caught in a nightmare of fishing line and a large lure.
The line is wrapped so tightly around her beak that she cannot properly open it to eat or drink. She can still fly, making rescue especially difficult.
One of her parents stood right beside her, looking directly at her as she struggled. It was heartbreaking to witness.
This is what discarded fishing line, hooks, and lures can do to wildlife. In La Jolla, young gulls are fledging, resting, and learning to forage in the same coastal areas where fishing activity continues to put them at risk. Lost and discarded gear can turn these essential coastal habitats into deadly hazards.
Now we need to find her. She can still fly and may return to her nest cliff or nearby areas around Shell Beach and Point La Jolla. Finding her quickly is critical.
🚨 If you see this Gull in La Jolla:
Stay on site and keep her in sight from a safe distance until a rescuer arrives. Immediately:
Call SeaWorld Rescue at (800) 541-7325.
Submit a report to Wildlife Jewels Rescue at wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife.
She has only just begun her life. We need to find her before this deadly fishing gear takes that chance away.
If you see an entangled, injured, or distressed bird in the La Jolla area, please report it immediately:
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Community reports play an important role in helping responders locate wildlife in need, assess conditions, and determine whether rescue may be possible.
Every survey matters. Every report matters. Every life matters.
Thank you to International Bird Rescue and Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center for giving Pelican 429 a second chance.
Join Wildlife Jewels EYES or Rescue Crew Search Scout to help us survey coastal areas, document wildlife, identify animals in need, and contribute observations that support wildlife protection and conservation.
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
A Growing Crisis: Entangled Cormorants at Point La Jolla
Wildlife Jewels documented at least 10 entangled cormorants in one day at Point La Jolla. Learn about this growing seabird entanglement crisis and ongoing monitoring efforts.
One of at least 10 entangled cormorants documented at Point La Jolla during a Wildlife Jewels Search Scout survey. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, July 25, 2026.
A Growing Crisis: Entangled Cormorants at Point La Jolla
On July 25, 2026, Wildlife Jewels documented at least 10 entangled cormorants in a single day at Point La Jolla.
The birds were observed during a Wildlife Jewels Search Scout survey and photographed from a distance using a zoom lens. All 10 birds were located on the closed bluff, where public access is prohibited and rescue options are extremely limited.
Over the past month, Wildlife Jewels has documented a sudden and deeply concerning increase in cormorants affected by fishing line and hooks in this area. Several birds appeared to have fishing line wrapped around their bodies, wings, bills, or legs, placing them at risk of injury, restricted movement, starvation, infection, and death.
The location of these birds makes the situation especially challenging. Because they are resting within the closed bluff area, responders cannot simply enter the site to attempt a rescue. Each case requires careful observation, documentation, coordination with the appropriate agencies, and evaluation of whether a safe and authorized rescue pathway is available.
Wildlife Jewels is continuing to monitor the birds' condition, document changes, report cases, and explore every possible rescue pathway.
This is an evolving situation, and we will continue providing updates as more information becomes available.
If you see an entangled, injured, or distressed bird in the La Jolla area, please report it immediately:
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Community reports play an important role in helping responders locate wildlife in need, assess conditions, and determine whether rescue may be possible.
Every survey matters. Every report matters. Every life matters.
Thank you to International Bird Rescue and Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center for giving Pelican 429 a second chance.
Join Wildlife Jewels EYES or Rescue Crew Search Scout to help us survey coastal areas, document wildlife, identify animals in need, and contribute observations that support wildlife protection and conservation.
Every Observation Matters: Blue-Banded Pelican 429 Spotted at Point La Jolla After Rehabilitation.
Blue-banded Brown Pelican 429 at Point La Jolla, CA. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, June 24, 2026.
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
EYES Spotlight: Two Entangled Brandt’s Cormorants Spotted at La Jolla Cove
🚨 ENTANGLED WILDLIFE ALERT — La Jolla Cove 🚨
During our recent EYES wildlife monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we documented two entangled Brandt’s cormorants within ~2 feet of each other—including clearly visible rope/line. 💔
Entangled Cormorant La Jolla Cove, CA Feb 2, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
EYES Spotlight
🚨 ENTANGLED WILDLIFE ALERT — La Jolla Cove 🚨
During our recent EYES™ wildlife monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we documented two entangled Brandt’s cormorants within ~2 feet of each other—with clearly visible rope/line. 💔
If you see either bird, please help by sending:
📍 Exact location (cove/beach + nearest landmark)
⏰ Time seen
📷 Photo/video (wide shot + zoomed in, from a safe distance)
✅ Please note which bird you saw: Bird A (rope) or Bird B (line)
📧 Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join EYES and help us keep watch—documenting threats like entanglement and reporting injured wildlife responsibly.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 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.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
💙 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.
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!
Follow the remarkable rescue of an entangled Brown Pelican at Crystal Cove, from fishing-gear injuries through rehabilitation to his return to the wild.