Blue-Banded Pelican 429: A Wildlife Rescue Success Story at Point La Jolla
Wildlife Jewels® documented Blue-Banded Brown Pelican 429 during a Point La Jolla Search Scout survey, helping track the bird's recovery after rehabilitation.
Blue-banded Brown Pelican 429 at Point La Jolla, CA. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, June 24, 2026.
Every Observation Matters. Every Life Matters.
During one of Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew’s routine Search Scout surveys at Point La Jolla, we observed a Brown Pelican wearing a blue leg band marked 429.
Through our routine coastal surveys, Wildlife Jewels® volunteers search for injured, sick, entangled, distressed, and deceased birds while documenting wildlife activity, human-caused threats, banded wildlife, and other important observations through our EYES® program.
We photographed the pelican and submitted the sighting to International Bird Rescue’s Blue-banded Pelican Program—and soon learned his remarkable story.
Pelican 429 is a juvenile male who was rescued in Laguna Beach on January 1, 2026. He was stabilized at Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center before being transferred to International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center for continued care.
He was treated for extensive traumatic injuries, including a fractured wing, pouch laceration, serious foot injuries, and bilateral bumblefoot. After months of expert treatment and rehabilitation, he was released in San Pedro on April 8, 2026.
Our sightings at Point La Jolla on June 24 helped document his post-release well-being and continued journey in the wild.
Reports of banded birds provide valuable information about migration, movement, plumage and molt, survival, lifespan, band integrity, and the long-term success of wildlife rehabilitation.
This is why consistent field monitoring matters. A routine survey can help locate an animal needing urgent assistance—or contribute an important piece of information about an individual animal’s recovery.
Every survey matters. Every report matters. Every life matters.
Thank you to International Bird Rescue and Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center for giving Pelican 429 a second chance.
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 Observation Matters: Blue-Banded Pelican 429 Spotted at Point La Jolla After Rehabilitation.
Blue-banded Brown Pelican 429 at Point La Jolla, CA. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, June 24, 2026.
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels Urges Space for an Injured Harbor Seal Pup at Children’s Pool
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.
Injured harbor seal pup Kyanite at Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Filmed from a distance using zoom. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif, July 10, 2026.
Urgent: Injured Harbor Seal Pup Kyanite Needs Space to Rest and Receive Help
During our EYES field surveys at Children’s Pool, Wildlife Jewels has continued observing Kyanite, an injured harbor seal pup, since June 28. She has a deep wound near her left shoulder/front flipper and appears to have difficulty moving.
Sadly, during our observations, Kyanite has had no opportunity to haul out and rest on the sand—or potentially be reached by authorized rescue responders—because repeated close approaches have prevented her from resting safely.
Yesterday, Kyanite was repeatedly approached at close range. When one individual suddenly walked directly toward her, she was forced back into the water. We did not see her return until late evening, when high tide had covered the rocks. She repeatedly attempted to haul out onto the sand but was unable to because visitors remained too close.
If you see Kyanite resting on the sand:
📞 Immediately call SeaWorld Rescue: 1-800-541-7325
Keep her in sight from a safe distance. Do not approach her or encourage others to approach.
Please report any disturbance or harassment to NOAA Fisheries Enforcement: 1-800-853-1964, including chasing, touching, surrounding, throwing objects toward her, or approaching so closely that she moves, enters the water, or is unable to rest or haul out.
Giving Kyanite space may be her best chance to rest and receive help.
What Could Make a Lifesaving Difference for This Precious Seal Pup?
Through our routine monitoring, we have repeatedly observed seals attempting to haul out onto the sand directly beside the seawall. A temporary protective buffer placed immediately along that section—even extending just one to two feet onto the sand—could keep visitors from occupying the exact area the seals need to reach land. Wildlife Jewels cannot place barriers there independently; they would need to be placed by the City or another authorized authority
Giving Kyanite access to this small stretch of sand could allow her to rest and provide SeaWorld Rescue with a critical opportunity to reach her safely. Without that protected space, she may continue to be blocked from hauling out, forced back into the water, and lose a vital chance to survive.
Why Space Matters
For an injured seal pup, space is life-saving. She needs a safe opportunity to come ashore and rest on the sand so authorized rescue teams have the best chance to reach and safely assist her.
How You Can Help
If you see this seal pup, please keep your distance, do not approach, and call SeaWorld Rescue right away while keeping the pup in sight from a safe distance: 1-800-541-7325.
Please give seals and sea lions plenty of space, stay behind posted barriers, and report injured or distressed marine mammals immediately.
Quick reporting and giving wildlife space can help save lives.
Video caption/credit:
Injured harbor seal pup at Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Photographed from a distance using a zoom lens. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif, July 10, 2026.
Video caption/credit:
Injured harbor seal pup at Children’s Pool in La Jolla. Photographed from a distance using a zoom lens. © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif, June 28, 2026.
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Injured Seal Pup Spotted at Children's Pool in La Jolla
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.
Seal pup, La Jolla, CA June 28 2026 © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif
Injured Seal Pup Observed at Children’s Pool
During our EYES Children’s Pool survey yesterday, Wildlife Jewels documented a precious seal pup with a concerning open wound on her left shoulder area. The pup was reported to SeaWorld Rescue.
Observation
During the same survey, we observed seals trying to haul out onto the sand for more than three hours. Several times, seals approached the shoreline but turned back when people were gathered close to the areas where they were trying to come ashore. Later, a dog was walked along the beach near the seals, and the seals remained in the water instead of hauling out.
Why Space Matters
For an injured seal pup, space is life-saving. She needs a safe opportunity to come ashore and rest on the sand so authorized rescue teams have the best chance to reach and safely assist her.
How You Can Help
If you see this seal pup, please keep your distance, do not approach, and call SeaWorld Rescue right away while keeping the pup in sight from a safe distance: 1-800-541-7325.
Please give seals and sea lions plenty of space, stay behind posted barriers, and report injured or distressed marine mammals immediately.
Quick reporting and giving wildlife space can help save lives.
Injured Seal Pup Spotted at Children's Pool in La Jolla | Wildlife Jewels
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Lone Newborn Sea Lion Pup Spotted at La Jolla Shoreline
Newborn Sea Lion Pup Observed Alone at La Jolla During Pupping Season
Sea Lion pup, La Jolla, CA 2026 © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif
🦭 A newborn sea lion pup with an umbilical cord was observed alone along the La Jolla shoreline.
Newborn pups are extremely vulnerable and need space, quiet, and protection from disturbance.
We are wishing for the best possible outcome for this little pup — whether that means being reunited with mom or being rescued by authorized responders.
Please do not approach, touch, feed, or attempt to move any marine mammal.
💙 Every wild life matters.
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
We invite you to join us for the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Learn more and RSVP HERE.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Devastating Rise in Distressed Seabirds and Entangled Pelicans Along the Coast
Devastating Rise in Distressed Seabirds and Entangled Pelicans Along the Coast.
Injured Entangled California Brown Pelican La Jolla Cove, CA May 31, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif
🚨Seabirds need your help.
Over the past three months, Wildlife Jewels has spent countless hours monitoring and searching local beaches as a devastating rise in deceased and distressed seabirds has unfolded along our coast.
As starvation, injuries, fishing-line entanglements, and other emergencies have increased, our team has been searching beaches, documenting cases, reporting distressed wildlife, and helping support response efforts.
More recently, we have seen a devastating rise in entangled pelicans and cormorants along the La Jolla coastline. In just the past week alone, we documented nearly two dozen entangled birds between Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove.
These recent cases, along with years of witnessing coastal wildlife emergencies, are why the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew was created — to help search for, report, and support response efforts for injured, entangled, and distressed coastal wildlife.
As we prepare for the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew ribbon cutting ceremony next week, we’ll be sharing some of the wildlife emergencies and response efforts that inspired this program.
We invite you to join us for the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Learn more and RSVP HERE:
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Your reports help Wildlife Jewels monitor coastal wildlife, document trends, and support emergency response coordination when possible.
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Young Sea Lion Rescued From Dangerous Fishing Line Entanglement in La Jolla
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.
Make it stand out
On Saturday, during our EYES monitoring in La Jolla, we observed a yearling sea lion badly entangled in fishing line.An adult sea lion appeared close beside her, gently nuzzling near the entangled area — a heartbreaking moment to witness.
The following day, our team returned to monitor the area, and we were so relieved to see SeaWorld Rescue successfully rescue her.Fishing line is deadly for wildlife. Please always pack out fishing gear, report distressed wildlife as soon as possible while you are still observing the animal, and report illegal fishing activity in Marine Protected Areas to CalTIP at 1-888-334-2258.
Thank you to everyone who reported this precious sea lion pup over the past weeks, and huge thanks to the SeaWorld Rescue team for rescuing her and giving her a chance. We wish this precious sea lion a safe recovery and hope she can return to the wild soon.
To join our team of EYES® wildlife observers, learn more and apply here.
To help us support seabird rescue efforts, apply to join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew!
We are currently seeking volunteers to help with seabird search & rescue support in La Jolla, North County San Diego, and Orange County coastal, CA.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
California Brown Pelican Safely Rescued Through Coordinated Response
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.
Distressed Brown Pelican, CA May 13, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
A precious California Brown Pelican is now safely in care thanks to quick reporting, trained volunteer response, and coordinated rescue support. 🩶🪶
After a Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew volunteer reported a Pelican in distress at San Marcos High School, she was joined by another trained volunteer to monitor and guard the bird until San Diego Humane Society arrived to safely capture and crate the pelican.
The pelican was then transported by our Rescue Crew and transferred to SeaWorld Rescue for expert care and rehabilitation.
Every report matters, every response matters, every second matters, and every life matters.
See wildlife in distress? Report it. Help wildlife get help.
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
La Jolla Seal Pup Seen Free of Plastic Ring at Children’s Pool After 11 Days
La Jolla Seal Pup Seen Free of Plastic Ring at Children’s Pool After 11 Days
Kyanite the Seal, La Jolla, CA May 5,, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
During yesterday’s EYES coastal wildlife observation field day at Children’s Pool in La Jolla, our team spent the evening observing local wildlife, including seals, and seabirds along the shoreline and cliffs.
As the sun began to lower, we spotted the precious seal pup who had first been seen entangled with a thick orange plastic ring around her neck on April 25. Seeing the ring still tightly around such a young pup after 11 days was heartbreaking and beyond concerning. Plastic and other human-caused debris can quickly become life-threatening for marine mammals, especially growing pups.
The sighting was immediately reported, and we remained nearby continuing to observe from a distance.
Not long afterward, in an incredible moment, the pup was seen safely free of the ring 💙
Watching her resting without the thick plastic around her neck after days of concern was amazing to witness. Moments like these remind us how important wildlife observation, documentation, and rapid reporting can be for animals in distress.
We’ve named this resilient little pup Kyanite, after the ocean-blue gemstone associated with healing, resilience, and balance.
Her story is also a reminder of the devastating impacts plastic and marine debris continue to have on wildlife along our coast. Every piece of debris removed from beaches and waterways can help prevent suffering for marine animals like Kyanite. You can help Wildlife Jewels remove marine debris by joining our Sweep for Wildlife group.
Please always keep a safe distance from marine mammals and report injured or entangled wildlife to appropriate responders.
To join our team of EYES™ wildlife observers, learn more and apply here.
To help us support seabird rescue efforts, apply to join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew!
We are currently seeking volunteers to help with seabird search & rescue support in La Jolla, North County San Diego, and Orange County coastal, CA.
Kyanite the Seal, May 5 2026 La Jolla, CA
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew Training in La Jolla: Supporting Coastal Wildlife
Thank you to everyone who attended a recent Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew training session at La Jolla Shores.
La Jolla, CA March 19, 2026
Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew training recap 💙
Thank you to everyone who attended a recent Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew training session. Together, we learned about signs of wildlife distress, search scout and guardian roles, and the importance of timely observation, reporting, and coordinated support.
If you’re interested in joining Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew, please submit an interest form.
To learn how you can support our work, visit:
https://www.wildlifejewels.org/wildlife-jewels-rescue-crew
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Your reports help Wildlife Jewels monitor coastal wildlife, document trends, and support emergency response coordination when possible.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
🚨 Cormorants need your help
🚨 Cormorants need your help
Distressed Cormorants Solana Beach, CA March 17, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
🚨Cormorants need your help.
An alarming number of cormorants have been found distressed along the coast, and other seabirds are being affected as well.
Over the last two weeks, Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew search scouts have been out along the coastline searching for distressed birds and supporting rescue coordination.
If you see a cormorant that appears weak, grounded, injured, disoriented, unable to fly, or otherwise out of place, please report it right away.
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Your reports help Wildlife Jewels monitor coastal wildlife, document trends, and support emergency response coordination when possible.
To learn how you can help Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew save wildlife, visit:
https://www.wildlifejewels.org/wildlife-jewels-rescue-crew
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!