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!
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"
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!
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!
California Brown Pelicans Sickened by Domoic Acid Recovering at WWCC
Our majestic California Brown Pelicans are in urgent need of help. Sickened by toxic algae, they are being found in alarming numbers. As of today, the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Orange County is caring for 75 Pelicans recovering from domoic acid poisoning.
A precious California Brown Pelican receiving care at the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach. Photo "Courtesy of Newt Likier/Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center"
Pelicans in Crisis: Help Save Pelicans
Our majestic California Brown Pelicans are in urgent need of help, as domoic acid toxicity leaves them stranded and distressed in alarming numbers. As of today, the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center in Orange County is caring for 75 Pelicans recovering from domoic acid poisoning.
The animal subjects captured in this footage are suspected of suffering from Domoic Acid Toxicity. "Courtesy of Newt Likier/Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center"
Ways you can help:
If you see a Pelican in distress, call for help immediately.
In Orange County, call Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center: (714) 374-5587
Visit Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center to learn more and discover how you can support their life-saving work.
Join Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective to help us find and report pelicans in need of rescue.
Help Us Save Pelicans
Wildlife Jewels® is seeking volunteers and community reporters to help monitor beaches and report distressed Pelicans. Learn how you can get involved and Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective Program!
The animal subjects captured in this footage are suspected of suffering from Domoic Acid Toxicity. "Courtesy of Newt Likier/Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center"
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"
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!