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!
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!
Malaia the Pelican’s Rescue at La Jolla Cove and Domoic Acid Crisis
During Tuesday’s Wildlife Jewels® EYES monitoring walk mat La Jolla Cove, sadly we spotted multiple pelicans showing signs of domoic acid poisoning. One, thankfully, was in an accessible spot on the beach.
A precious California Brown Pelican a La Jolla Cove, April 22, 2025.
During Tuesday’s Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla monitoring walk, sadly we spotted multiple pelicans showing signs of domoic acid poisoning. One, thankfully, was in an accessible spot on the beach.
We first noticed him from a distance—it was clear from his behavior something was wrong. We observed quietly for a few hours while calling for help. He was frightened by the crowd and slipped into the water, too weak to fly. We were so relieved when he made it back to the sand.
We stayed with him, watching and waiting, making sure he stayed safe until help arrived.
Thanks to the San Diego Humane Society, he was safely taken to Project Wildlife for care. 💚
Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective to help us find and save more precious coastal wildlife—like Malaia the Pelican! Discover ways you can get involved!
Malaia the Pelican’s Rescue at La Jolla Cove and Domoic Acid Crisis
Pelicans in Crisis: Help Us Save Pelicans
“Every single Pelican is precious and every single Pelican counts. Please join us in this critical mission to save our precious Pelicans. ”
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Updates
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!