A Growing Crisis: Entangled Cormorants at Point La Jolla
Wildlife Jewels documented at least 10 entangled cormorants in one day at Point La Jolla. Learn about this growing seabird entanglement crisis and ongoing monitoring efforts.
One of at least 10 entangled cormorants documented at Point La Jolla during a Wildlife Jewels Search Scout survey. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, July 25, 2026.
A Growing Crisis: Entangled Cormorants at Point La Jolla
On July 25, 2026, Wildlife Jewels documented at least 10 entangled cormorants in a single day at Point La Jolla.
The birds were observed during a Wildlife Jewels Search Scout survey and photographed from a distance using a zoom lens. All 10 birds were located on the closed bluff, where public access is prohibited and rescue options are extremely limited.
Over the past month, Wildlife Jewels has documented a sudden and deeply concerning increase in cormorants affected by fishing line and hooks in this area. Several birds appeared to have fishing line wrapped around their bodies, wings, bills, or legs, placing them at risk of injury, restricted movement, starvation, infection, and death.
The location of these birds makes the situation especially challenging. Because they are resting within the closed bluff area, responders cannot simply enter the site to attempt a rescue. Each case requires careful observation, documentation, coordination with the appropriate agencies, and evaluation of whether a safe and authorized rescue pathway is available.
Wildlife Jewels is continuing to monitor the birds' condition, document changes, report cases, and explore every possible rescue pathway.
This is an evolving situation, and we will continue providing updates as more information becomes available.
If you see an entangled, injured, or distressed bird in the La Jolla area, please report it immediately:
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Community reports play an important role in helping responders locate wildlife in need, assess conditions, and determine whether rescue may be possible.
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!
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 EYES La Jolla: Entangled Cormorant Urgently Needs Help!
Entangled Cormorant Urgently Needs Help! Today during our EYES monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we spotted a cormorant with a hook lodged in his right foot, a fishing line tangled around his left, and a bobber hanging. His wings may also be entangled—he can’t walk or fly properly.
Entangled Cormorant at La Jolla Cove, June 29, 2025 by © Wildlife Jewels
🚨 Entangled Cormorant Urgently Needs Help! Today during our EYES monitoring, we spotted a cormorant with a hook lodged in his right foot, a fishing line tangled around his left, and a bobber hanging. His wings may also be entangled—he can’t walk or fly properly.
❗ If you see this Cormorant:
1️⃣ Call SeaWorld Rescue at 1-800-541-SEAL (7325)
2️⃣ DM us or email EYES@WildlifeJewels.org with: Close-up & wide photos, Time & location.
Help us save this precious Cormorant.
Want to help us monitor and help save coastal wildife? Support Wildlife Jewels’ EYES program.
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.
Entangled Cormorant at La Jolla Cove, June 29, 2025 by © 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
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!
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) —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 Societyor 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!
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!
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!