Mysterious Illness Strikes Gulls — How You Can Help Save Them

Wildlife Jewels RescueThreats to WildlifeOceanWildlife Jewels EYESGullsThreats to Gulls
Written By Azi Sharif
Wildlife Jewels EYES | Help Us Save Gulls

Image description: A distressed Gull we spotted and rescued during our EYES monitoring at Crystal Cove State Park | Wildlife Jewels Rescue, August 2024 © Wildlife Jewels®

Our Precious Gulls Need Your Help!

A devastating illness is suddenly impacting gulls across Southern California, leaving many sick and dying. Every moment counts — we need your help to spot and report distressed gulls before it’s too late.

Wildlife Jewels is seeking volunteers to join our EYES Monitoring Team to help locate and report gulls in need of rescue.
👉 Join here

Not able to commit to regular volunteering? That’s okay! You can still help as a WJ EYES Community Reporter — spotting and reporting distressed gulls during your beach walks.
👉 Join here

For questions: Email Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org

What to watch for:

  • Dehydration or weakness

  • Difficulty standing or walking

  • Partial or complete paralysis

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Difficulty blinking or keeping eyes open

Your quick action could save a life — help our precious gulls get the urgent care they need.

How You Can Help:

Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.

Donate or become a corporate sponsor of our EYES Program to help us find and rescue distressed gulls and protect other precious wildlife.

If you spot a distressed Gull:

Call your nearest rescue organization ASAP.

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).

Wildlife Jewels EYES: Western Gull Family, July 30 2025, © Wildlife Jewels

"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

Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective! Volunteer or Report to Protect La Jolla’s vulnerable sea life!

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

 
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Join Wildlife Jewels EYES in Protecting Gulls