Malaia the Pelican’s Rescue at La Jolla Cove and Domoic Acid Crisis
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
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.
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.
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.
Wildlife Jewels continues monitoring injured harbor seal pup Kyanite at La Jolla's Children's Pool. Giving her space to haul out could provide a chance for rescue.
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.
Wildlife Jewels® documented Blue-Banded Brown Pelican 429 during a Point La Jolla Search Scout survey, helping track the bird's recovery after rehabilitation.
During our EYES field surveys at Children’s Pool, we have continued observing the same injured harbor seal pup since June 28. She has a deep wound near her left shoulder/front flipper and appears to have difficulty moving.
During our EYES Children’s Pool survey yesterday, Wildlife Jewels documented a precious seal pup with a concerning open wound on the left neck/shoulder area.
Newborn Sea Lion Pup Observed Alone at La Jolla During Pupping Season
Devastating Rise in Distressed Seabirds and Entangled Pelicans Along the Coast.
Wildlife Jewels documented a yearling sea lion badly entangled in fishing line in La Jolla before SeaWorld Rescue successfully rescued her. Learn how discarded fishing gear threatens marine wildlife.
A California Brown Pelican in distress at San Marcos High School was safely rescued through coordinated efforts between Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew, San Diego Humane Society, and SeaWorld Rescue.
La Jolla Seal Pup Seen Free of Plastic Ring at Children’s Pool After 11 Days
Thank you to everyone who attended a recent Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew training session at La Jolla Shores.
🚨 California Brown Pelicans need your help
California Brown Pelicans need your help. A concerning number have recently been found distressed along our coast, and other seabirds, including cormorants, are affected as well.
🚨 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. 💔
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
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.
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.