Rescue Crew in Action: Training to Save Coastal Birds
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.
Rescue Crew training at La Jolla Shores, Jan 8 2026
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: La Jolla Shores Prop Training
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.
It was inspiring to see everyone who attended show up with such care, focus, and dedication to protecting our coastal wildlife. Special thanks to Joop Kuhn for leading the training!
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.
Cormorant rescued at La Jolla Tide pools on Wednesday January 7.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla
Photo of a precious Brown Pelicans at La Jolla Cove, Captured © Wildlife Jewels/ Azi
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: Entangled cormorant rescued in La Jolla 💙🌙
Tonight, a cormorant entangled in fishing line was reported by caring beachgoers who stayed with him and helped keep him safe. With quick coordination, the bird was safely contained and promptly transported to San Diego Humane Society (Project Wildlife) for evaluation and treatment.
We’re wishing him a full recovery and hope he can return home soon. 💜
Human-caused hazards like fishing line can be devastating for wildlife. Thank you to everyone who showed compassion and reported the entanglement.
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Cormorant rescued at La Jolla Tide pools on Wednesday January 7.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)for Birds
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew (Pilot Program) for Birds | La Jolla Cove and North County San Diego.
Photo of a precious Brown Pelicans at La Jolla Cove, Captured © Wildlife Jewels/ Azi
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)
Have you ever spotted injured or entangled birds along the coast and thought… What should I do? 💙
Wildlife Jewels is building our Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)—a trained volunteer network focused on responsible observation and reporting, helping route wildlife concerns to permitted responders in La Jolla and along the North County San Diego coast so wildlife can get help as quickly as possible.
We’re currently accepting Rescue Crew interest applications.
Next week, we’re kicking off 2026 with a Zoom orientation + prop training for selected applicants as part of our onboarding process.
If you’re passionate about helping protect our precious birds, we’d love to hear from you.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Photo/video of a precious California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. She was entangled in discarded fishing gear, spotted by our EYES La Jolla team, rescued by San Diego marine mammal responders, and is now healing beautifully.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)
Wildlife Jewels® is launching the Rescue Crew (Pilot Program) in La Jolla to support responsible wildlife observation, reporting, and coordination with authorized responders along the Southern California coast.
Photo of a precious Brown Pelicans at La Jolla Cove, Captured © Wildlife Jewels/ Azi
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Crew (Pilot Program)
Along the Southern California coast, wildlife can face injury, entanglement, and other hazards. Wildlife Jewels® is launching the Rescue Crew (Pilot Program) in La Jolla to strengthen responsible observation, reporting, and coordination with permitted wildlife responders.
What the Rescue Crew Is
The Rescue Crew is a trained, invite-only volunteer initiative focused on helping ensure wildlife concerns are observed, documented, and routed to appropriate response pathways. The program complements Wildlife Jewels® EYES™ initiative and prioritizes wildlife safety, public education, and legal compliance.
What the Rescue Crew Is Not
The Rescue Crew does not replace authorized wildlife responders and is not a public dispatch service. Wildlife emergencies should always be reported to authorized responders first.
How to Get Involved
Participation begins with an interest application, followed by orientation and training. Activation and field roles depend on completion of onboarding requirements and applicable approvals.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Photo/video of a precious California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. She was entangled in discarded fishing gear, spotted by our EYES La Jolla team, rescued by San Diego marine mammal responders, and is now healing beautifully.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
SPOTTED: Meet Jade — A Precious Sea Lion’s Story of Rescue and Hope 💚
Meet Jade — a beautiful sea lion who we recently spotted during our EYES La Jolla monitoring, with a severe entanglement around her neck. Thanks to the quick action of San Diego marine mammal responders, the lines were successfully removed, and she’s now healing beautifully.
Photo of a precious California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. She was entangled in discarded fishing gear, spotted by our EYES La Jolla team, rescued by San Diego marine mammal responders, and is now healing beautifully. Captured by Azi S./ © Wildlife Jewels
Meet Jade — a precious California sea lion who was severely entangled and treated by San Diego marine mammal responders. No fishing line is visible in this footage from our recent observation. She still has a clearly visible neck scar from past entanglement and is on her way to healing.
Sadly, several entangled sea lions remain at La Jolla Cove. Each sighting and report can mean the difference between life and death. Timely, detailed information — including the exact location, time, and clear photos or video — helps rescue teams respond effectively.
If you see an entangled or distressed sea lion:
• Do not approach — give space and use zoom.
• Report immediately with time, exact location, and photos/video.
• In San Diego, call SeaWorld Rescue at (800) 541-7325.
💙 Join Wildlife Jewels® EYES™ La Jolla to help spot, document, and report hazards threatening our coastal wildlife. Every observation helps protect these magnificent marine neighbors.
💙 Your actions can help save lives.
To learn how you can support the Wildlife Jewels EYES program in locating and reporting distressed wildlife, Click HERE.
To Report Entangled 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 wildlife is precious and every single wildlife counts. Join us in this critical mission to save our magnificent wildlife.
Photo/video of a precious California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. She was entangled in discarded fishing gear, spotted by our EYES La Jolla team, rescued by San Diego marine mammal responders, and is now healing beautifully.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!