A Second Chance for an Entangled Brown Pelican
Onyx, the California Brown Pelican July 23, 2026. © Wildlife Jewels
A Second Chance for an Entangled Brown Pelican
One moment of awareness helped change the course of his life.
On July 22, 2026, a Wildlife Jewels® Search Scout survey at Crystal Cove State Park became an unexpected rescue mission.
As I began walking toward the beach, I noticed a park vehicle leaving the area. Knowing that local seabirds had recently been facing starvation and a growing fishing-line entanglement crisis, I stopped to ask whether any birds were in distress.
I was told that an entangled Brown Pelican was on the beach.
I immediately ran back to my car, gathered our Wildlife Jewels rescue equipment and large pelican transport crate, and headed down the long trail to find him.
When I reached the beach, the pelican was still mobile and could have entered the water at any moment. A kind beachgoer offered to help, and together with others nearby, we carefully guided and safely captured him.
Once he was secure in the transport crate, we began the long walk back up from the beach.
Because wildlife rehabilitation centers were already closed for the evening, the pelican remained safely in our care overnight. Early the next morning, he was transported to Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, where his journey toward healing began.
At that moment, his injured wing looked severe, and we did not yet know what the future would hold.
But rescue creates possibility.
This story is a powerful reminder of why Wildlife Jewels’ Search Scout and Rescue Crew programs matter. Being present, paying attention, and acting at the right moment can give an injured wild animal a second chance.
Every life matters. Every moment of awareness can lead to hope.
Watch the rescue story below, and stay tuned for the next chapter of this remarkable pelican’s journey.
If you see an entangled, injured, or distressed bird in the La Jolla area, please report it immediately:
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
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 survey matters. Every report matters. Every life matters.
Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew: The Story of an Entangled Brown Pelican Rescue
July 22, 2026
Crystal Cove State Park, CA
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!