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!
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!
🚨 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!
🚨 California Brown Pelicans need your help
🚨 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.
California Brown Pelican Rescued at Solana Beach March 19, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
🚨 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. These photos were taken at Fletcher Cove Beach, where a distressed pelican was found, San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife was contacted, and we remained nearby until their team arrived.
If you see a pelican or other seabird that appears weak, grounded, injured, disoriented, or otherwise in distress, please contact a local wildlife responder.
For San Diego wildlife rescue contacts and reporting options, visit:
📧 Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org
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!
Celebrating the release of 13 Precious California Brown Pelicans: Huntington Beach
Celebrating the release of 13 precious California Brown Pelicans who were impacted by the recent, devastating domoic acid poisoning crisis.
Photo: A precious California Brown Pelican Released in Huntington Beach in July 2025 by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Celebrating the release of 13 precious California Brown Pelicans who were impacted by the recent, devastating domoic acid poisoning crisis.
Thanks to the expert care and rehabilitation provided by the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, these majestic birds were released back into the wild today by the Center’s dedicated team.
We’re so happy to witness the recovery and well-being of these magnificent pelicans!
Help Us Save Wildlife
Wildlife Jewels® is seeking volunteers and community reporters to help monitor beaches and report distressed wildlife. Learn how you can get involved and Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective Program!
Video/Photos: 13 precious California Brown Pelican Released in Huntington Beach in July 2025 by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Pelicans suffering from Domoic Acid Toxicity. "Captured by Azi Sharif/Wildlife Jewels"
“Every single Pelican is precious and every single Pelican counts. Please join us in this critical mission to save our precious Pelicans. ”
Distressed Pelican "Captured by Azi Sharif/Wildlife Jewels"
California Brown Pelican and Cormorants at La Jolla Cove, "Captured by Azi Sharif/Wildlife Jewels"
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
California Brown Pelicans Sickened by Domoic Acid Recovering at WWCC
Our majestic California Brown Pelicans are in urgent need of help. Sickened by toxic algae, they are being found in alarming numbers. As of today, the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Orange County is caring for 75 Pelicans recovering from domoic acid poisoning.
A precious California Brown Pelican receiving care at the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach. Photo "Courtesy of Newt Likier/Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center"
Pelicans in Crisis: Help Save Pelicans
Our majestic California Brown Pelicans are in urgent need of help, as domoic acid toxicity leaves them stranded and distressed in alarming numbers. As of today, the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center in Orange County is caring for 75 Pelicans recovering from domoic acid poisoning.
The animal subjects captured in this footage are suspected of suffering from Domoic Acid Toxicity. "Courtesy of Newt Likier/Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center"
Ways you can help:
If you see a Pelican in distress, call for help immediately.
In Orange County, call Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center: (714) 374-5587
Visit Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center to learn more and discover how you can support their life-saving work.
Join Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective to help us find and report pelicans in need of rescue.
Help Us Save Pelicans
Wildlife Jewels® is seeking volunteers and community reporters to help monitor beaches and report distressed Pelicans. Learn how you can get involved and Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective Program!
The animal subjects captured in this footage are suspected of suffering from Domoic Acid Toxicity. "Courtesy of Newt Likier/Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center"
Pelicans suffering from Domoic Acid Toxicity. "Captured by Azi Sharif/Wildlife Jewels"
“Every single Pelican is precious and every single Pelican counts. Please join us in this critical mission to save our precious Pelicans. ”
Distressed Pelican "Captured by Azi Sharif/Wildlife Jewels"
California Brown Pelican and Cormorants at La Jolla Cove, "Captured by Azi Sharif/Wildlife Jewels"
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!
From Domoic Acid Poisoning to Recovery: A Brown Pelican’s Story of Hope
Sharing a precious California Brown Pelican who’s fortunate to have been rescued and is now on the road to recovery after surviving the devastating effects of domoic acid poisoning. She’s a glimmer of hope amidst the tragic domoic acid crisis impacting our seabirds and sea lions along the coast.
A precious California Brown Pelican receiving care at the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach.
From Domoic Acid Poisoning to Recovery: A Brown Pelican’s Story of Hope
Meet a precious California Brown Pelican who’s fortunate to have been rescued and is now on the road to recovery after surviving the devastating effects of domoic acid poisoning. She represents a glimmer of hope amidst the tragic crisis affecting seabirds and marine life along the California coast.
Thanks to the incredible work of the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, she’s receiving the vital care she needs. 💚
Visit Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center to learn more and discover how you can support their life-saving work.
Join Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective to help us find and report pelicans in need of rescue.
Help Us Save Pelicans
Wildlife Jewels® is seeking volunteers and community reporters to help monitor beaches and report distressed Pelicans. Learn how you can get involved and Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective Program!
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. ”
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Pelicans in Crisis: Help Us Save Pelicans
Our majestic California Brown Pelicans are facing a devastating crisis—domoic acid poisoning. One of the earliest signs is head swaying, a symptom. This video shows just a few of the many pelicans we observed suffering at La Jolla Cove on Thursday.
A precious California Brown Pelican distressed at La Jolla Cove, April 17, 2025.
Pelicans in Crisis: Help Us Save Pelicans
Our majestic California Brown Pelicans are facing a devastating crisis—domoic acid poisoning. One of the earliest signs is head swaying. This video shows just a few of the many Pelicans we observed suffering at La Jolla Cove on Thursday.
If you see a Pelican in distress, call for help immediately. With prompt care and treatment, they have a chance to survive and recover. We're seeking volunteers and community reporters to join our EYES program to help us identify and report distressed Pelicans along our coastline. Every Pelican is precious. Every moment matters. Early action can save lives.
📞 Seabird Rescue Hotlines:
📍 San Diego County: SeaWorld Rescue: (800) 541-7325 and San Diego Humane Society Project Wildlife: (619) 299-7012
📍 Orange County: Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center: (714) 374-5587
📍 Los Angeles County: California Wildlife Center: (310) 458-9453 and International Bird Rescue: (310) 514-2573
Help Us Save Pelicans
Wildlife Jewels® is seeking volunteers and community reporters to help monitor beaches and report distressed Pelicans. Learn how you can get involved and Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective Program!
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. ”
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
A Spark of Hope Amid the Domoic Acid Crisis: Meet Amazonite the Pelican
Sea lions and seabirds along the California coast are suffering from domoic acid poisoning—a devastating condition caused by harmful algal blooms. If treated early, survival is possible. But without timely intervention, domoic acid poisoning can lead to irreversible brain damage or even death. In May 2024, during the mass stranding of California Brown Pelicans, our team helped rescue one very special bird.
A precious California Brown Pelican stranded on the beach with signs of starvation and dehydration. May 3, 2024 Corona del Mar State Beach
A Spark of Hope Amid the Domoic Acid Crisis: Meet Amazonite the Pelican
Help Us Save Marine Mammals and Seabirds in Crisis
Sea lions and seabirds along the California coast are suffering from domoic acid poisoning—a devastating condition caused by harmful algal blooms. If treated early, survival is possible. But without timely intervention, domoic acid poisoning can lead to irreversible brain damage or even death.
As this urgent crisis unfolds, we’re reminded of the critical need to act—and we’d like to share one rescue story that shows what’s possible when we do.
In May 2024, during the mass stranding of California Brown Pelicans, our team helped rescue one very special bird. Meet Amazonite the Pelican—named for his beauty and strength. We found him during our wildlife monitoring search at Corona del Mar State Beach, visibly weak and vulnerable.
With care and patience, we guided Amazonite away from crowds, traffic, and other hazards, standing by to ensure his safety until the Newport Beach Animal Control rescue team arrived. Thanks to quick action, Amazonite was safely transported to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, where he received the urgent medical care he needed—and was later released back into the wild!
Every Wildlife Matters
Thank you to everyone who played a part in saving Amazonite. Your compassion, awareness, and support made a difference. Every single wild life matters—and each and every one of you has the power to help save a life.
See a Pelican or other Seabird in Distress?
If you see a pelican on the sand or in an unusual spot looking weak or disoriented, please don’t hesitate—call for help immediately. Your quick action can save a life!!!
📞 Seabird Rescue Hotlines:
📍 San Diego County: SeaWorld Rescue: (800) 541-7325 and San Diego Humane Society Project Wildlife: (619) 299-7012
📍 Orange County: Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center: (714) 374-5587
📍 Los Angeles County: California Wildlife Center: (310) 458-9453 and International Bird Rescue: (310) 514-2573
Help Us Save Wildlife
Wildlife Jewels® is currently seeking volunteers to help monitor beaches and report distressed seabirds and marine mammals. Learn how you can get involved and Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Collective!
“Every single Pelican is precious and every single Pelican counts. Please join us in this critical mission to save our precious Pelicans. ”
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!