Nesting Gulls at La Jolla Need Your Help: Join Us in Protecting Them
Last week, we observed several Western gulls peacefully nesting at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Just days later, the beach reopened—and sadly, we’ve since witnessed repeated disturbances to these precious nesting gulls.
Nesting Western Gull, May 9 2025, at La Jolla by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Nesting Gulls at La Jolla Need Your Help: Join Us in Protecting Them
Last week during our Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla monitoring, we observed several Western gulls nesting on a peaceful stretch of beach at La Jolla Children’s Pool. They began nesting while the beach was closed (Dec 15–May 15) and didn’t know it would reopen—now their nests are exposed to beachgoers.
Just days later, the beach reopened—and sadly, we’ve since witnessed repeated disturbances to these precious nesting Gulls.
Adults and children have been unknowingly walking, running, and playing just steps away from the active nests—some even picking up items from the sand right next to them. The gulls are stressed, and their fragile nesting efforts are now at serious risk.
‼️Please be mindful: these birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to disturb or destroy active nests with eggs or chicks.
📍We need your help monitoring nesting gulls and other coastal wildlife. Join our Wildlife Jewels EYES Monitoring Group—link below to apply.
Let’s work together to protect the wildlife we all share this coast with.
How You Can Help:
Report Gulls: If you encounter a distressed Gull contact San Diego Humane Society or SeaWorld Rescue.
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).
Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective to HELP US MONITOR GULLS AND OTHER PRECIOUS WILDLIFE.
"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
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
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Entangled Sea Lion “Jasper“ at La Jolla Cove Urgently Needs Help
We first saw this precious sea lion whom we’ve named Jasper, on May 1st, and again on May 9th. Her condition is worsening as the net cuts deeper into her neck. She urgently needs to be rescued. If you spot her or any other entangled marine mammals, please report the sighting immediately to your local marine mammal rescue team.
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove, May 9 2025, by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
⚠️ Content Warning: Injured sea lion shown
During our EYES monitoring walk at La Jolla Cove, sadly we spotted a precious sea lion entangled in fishing gear.
We first saw this precious sea lion whom we’ve named Jasper, on May 1st, and again on May 9th. Her condition is worsening as the net cuts deeper into her neck. She urgently needs to be rescued!!
Sadly, she has not yet been rescued due to the challenges and limited accessibility of her location.
If you spot her or any other entangled marine mammals, please report the sighting immediately to your local licensed marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center.
To learn how you can support the Wildlife Jewels EYES program in locating and reporting distressed wildlife, Click HERE.
📞 Marine Mammal Rescue Hotlines:
📍 San Diego County: SeaWorld Rescue: (800) 541-7325
📍 Orange County: Pacific Marine Mammal Center: (949) 494-3050
📍 Los Angeles County: Marine Mammal Care Center: (800)-39-WHALE
How You Can Help:
Report Distressed Sea Lions: If you encounter a sea lion showing signs of distress, contact the nearest marine mammal rescue center immediately.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the sea lion and guard the animal until rescuers arrive.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the sea lion to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
⚠️ Content Warning: Injured sea lion shown
The following photos and videos shows an entangled Sea Lion with a visible neck wound, shared to raise awareness about her heartbreaking situation, the dangers of discarded fishing gear, and its devastating impact on coastal wildlife.
"Every single Sea Lion is precious. Every single Sea Lion counts. And every distressed Sea Lion deserves treatment, care and a chance to recover. We must come together to protect and save our magnificent Sea Lions." ~ Azi Sharif, Executive Director at Wildlife Jewels
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove, May 1 and May 9 2025, Captured by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove, May 1 2025, Captured by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
🌟 Introducing Wildlife Jewels EYES! 🌟
We’re excited to announce the launch of Wildlife Jewels EYES!
Starting in Newport Beach, Solana Beach, and La Jolla Cove, the Wildlife Jewels EYES™ Program is a proactive initiative that empowers the community to actively search for, spot, monitor, and report distressed coastal wildlife in need of help — while also tracking critical data to support wildlife rescue and protection efforts.
We’re excited to announce the launch of Wildlife Jewels EYES!
Starting in Newport Beach, Solana Beach, and La Jolla Cove, the Wildlife Jewels EYES™ Program is a proactive initiative that empowers the community to actively search for, spot, monitor, and report distressed coastal wildlife in need of help — while also tracking critical data to support wildlife rescue and protection efforts.
📣 Join the Wildlife Jewels EYES Collective
🦭 Become a Volunteer Monitor or Community Reporter
🌊 Join our Partnership Opportunities
🤝 Sponsor or Support the Cause
✨ Every wildlife matters — and every distressed wildlife deserves care. Join us in protecting our precious sea life!
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove 16 November 2024
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove Urgently Needs Help
We spotted a precious sea lion entangled in fishing gear today just north of La Jolla Cove. If you see her, please report the sighting immediately to help ensure she receives the urgent care she needs.Every single wildlife is unique and precious, and deserves a chance to be rescued.
During our EYES monitoring walk at La Jolla Cove today, sadly we spotted a precious sea lion entangled in fishing gear. If you see her, please report the sighting immediately to help ensure she receives the urgent care she needs.Every single wildlife is unique and precious, and deserves a chance to be rescued.
To learn how you can support the Wildlife Jewels EYES program in locating and reporting distressed wildlife, Click HERE.
📞 Marine Mammal Rescue Hotlines:
📍 San Diego County: SeaWorld Rescue: (800) 541-7325
📍 Orange County: Pacific Marine Mammal Center: (949) 494-3050
📍 Los Angeles County: Marine Mammal Care Center: (800)-39-WHALE
How You Can Help:
Report Distressed Sea Lions: If you encounter a sea lion showing signs of distress, contact the nearest marine mammal rescue center immediately.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the sea lion and guard the animal until rescuers arrive.
Ensure Public Awareness: Help keep beachgoers and dogs away from the sea lion to minimize stress and potential harm until rescuers arrive.
Every single Sea Lion is precious and every single Sea Lion counts. Join us in this critical mission to save our magnificent Sea Lions.
Entangled Sea Lion at La Jolla Cove 16 November 2024
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Rescue Resources for Los Angeles Area Wildlife Fire Victims
Wildlife Rescue Resources for Los Angeles Area
If you encounter distressed, injured, or orphaned wildlife in the Los Angeles area, it is crucial to report it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible. Timely intervention can significantly improve the chances of recovery for the animal.
We are devastated by the tragic fires sweeping through Los Angeles.
To everyone impacted by the fires, please stay safe, follow evacuation orders, and stay updated through official channels.
If you come across distressed, injured, or displaced wildlife impacted by the fires, please contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center immediately. Quick action can make a critical difference in their chance for survival and recovery.
Visit the link HERE for wildlife rescue resources in the Los Angeles area.
Interested in helping save wildlife? To Join our wildlife monitoring and rescue group to help detect and report distressed wildlife, apply HERE!
One of our dedicated volunteers spotted a precious bird with one missing foot and the other entangled in fishing line.
December 15th 2024, Corona del Mar State Beach
Community Beach Cleanup and the Moving Encounter with an Entangled Gull at Corona del Mar State Beach
On Sunday December 15th, Wildlife Jewels organized and hosted a community beach clean-up in Corona Del Mar State Beach and king tides exploration walk at little corona del mar tide pools. During the event, we encountered a beautiful Gull with one foot missing and the other entangled in fishing line. As we wrapped up, the Gull flew towards us, landing nearby, almost as if seeking help. This unforgettable moment was a powerful reminder of the devastating impact debris has on our precious wildlife.
Community Beach Cleanup and the Moving Encounter with an Entangled Gull at Corona del Mar State Beach December 15th at Corona del Mar State Beach
On Sunday, December 15th, Wildlife Jewels hosted a community guided educational beach cleanup at Corona del Mar State Beach, paired with a King Tides exploration walk at the Little Corona del Mar tide pools. This event was part of our Sweep for Wildlife program, an initiative under our Ocean Conservation efforts that focuses on cleaning beaches while educating the community about native wildlife, the threats posed by debris, and actionable steps to protect them.
A Day of Learning and Discovery
During the educational segment, we highlighted the increased number of seabirds and gulls observed during recent wildlife monitoring walks at Crystal Cove Beach and Corona del Mar State Beach. These monitoring efforts aim to shed light on the challenges marine life face due to human activities, especially debris like fishing lines.
A Heartbreaking Encounter
Shortly after our walk, one of our volunteers noticed a beautiful gull with one missing foot and another foot tightly entangled in fishing line. Concerned participants observed and photographed the bird as she struggled. As the cleanup wrapped up, the gull flew towards our group and landed nearby, almost as if she was seeking help.
It was a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact marine debris has on wildlife. This moment deeply resonated with our team and volunteers, driving home the urgency of our mission. Over the past months, our wildlife monitoring efforts have documented a concerning increase in gulls with missing feet or fishing-line injuries. These injuries can be preventable with greater awareness and action to address the root cause.
A Call to Action
Every animal matters. This event reinforced why community involvement is vital in reducing marine debris and protecting wildlife. We encourage everyone to keep an eye out for injured and entangled wildlife and report sightings as soon as possible.
To report a distressed Wildlife Contact:
Santa Barbara (805) 681-1080 (Santa Barbara Wildlife Network)
Orange County (714) 374 - 5587 Wetlands & Wildlife Center or Orange County Animal Control 714-935-6848
Orange County Animal Control after hours (949)644-3717
Los Angeles (310) 514- 2573
San Diego (800) 541- 7325
To Join our wildlife monitoring and rescue group to help detect and report distressed wildlife, sign up HERE!
Community Beach Cleanup and the Moving Encounter with an Entangled Gull at Corona del Mar State Beach December 15th at Corona del Mar State Beach
Fishing Gear
Every day, countless seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals suffer injuries or lose their lives due to entanglement in fishing lines and hooks. This includes the tragic consequence of swallowing fishing hooks.
Hooks and lines caught in debris can lead to devastating entanglements for animals, causing injuries to legs, wings, and beaks of birds. A single hook caught in a beak or mouth can be devastating leading to starvation and death.
Thanks to the dedication of our participants, we were able to locate and remove fishing lines and at least one fishing hook during our clean-up in Corona Del Mar. This debris poses a significant threat to seabirds and shorebirds, especially as lines and hooks become ensnared in branches and seaweed along the shoreline— where these birds search for food.
By picking up debris, even just one fishing hook, you are making a difference saving wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels King Tides Sweep and Learn for Wildlife walk in Corona Del Mar! December 15, 2024
Sadly, we also encountered a beautiful Gull who was missing one foot, with the other tightly wrapped in a fishing line. Concerned volunteers observed her at the start of the event. To our surprise, as we wrapped up the cleanup, she flew towards our group, landed nearby, and watched us as if she was asking for help. Witnessing this was a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact marine debris has on our precious wildlife. Over the past few months, we've observed a significant increase in the number of gulls with missing feet and/or entangled in fishing line during our coastal wildlife monitoring efforts. Every animal matters, and it’s a call to action for all of us to help protect them.
One of our dedicated volunteers spotted a precious bird with one missing foot and the other entangled in fishing line.
December 15th 2024, Corona del Mar State Beach