The Magic of Albatrosses: Celebrate World Albatross Day
Photo: By Azi S. / © Wildlife Jewels (1) Laysan Albatross at the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, Huntington Beach (2) Background: Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical inventions at Museo Leonardo Da Vinci Florence, Italy
Wildlife Jewels is delighted to celebrate World Albatross Day with a tribute to our majestic ocean wanderers—and meet Coral, a precious Laysan Albatross recently rehabilitated at the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center after suffering from domoic acid poisoning.
We’re inspired and delighted to introduce Coral as the centerpiece of a special new capsule-collection within our Wildlife Jewels Collections—coming soon!
Today, we honor the magic of albatrosses—22 known species gliding effortlessly across the world’s oceans.
Did you know? As early as the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci studied albatross flight to inspire his flying machine designs.
Let’s celebrate their beauty, support albatross conservation, and help protect them from rising threats— from overfishing and bycatch to plastic pollution.
Threats to Albatrosses
1. Overfishing
Overfishing depletes the populations of squid, fish, and krill that albatrosses rely on—especially during breeding when adults must travel long distances to find food for their chicks.
2. Bycatch in Longline and Trawl Fisheries
Albatrosses are drawn to baited hooks and often drown after being hooked or caught in trawler cables.
An estimated 100,000 albatrosses die each year from fisheries bycatch.
Some species have lost up to 60% of their global population in recent decades due to this threat alone .
3. Plastic Pollution
Albatrosses mistake floating plastic for food; nearly 98% of Laysan albatross chicks ingest plastic from their parents.
Ingested plastic causes starvation, impaired digestion, toxicity from pollutants (PCBs, heavy metals), and often death
4. Oil Spills & Chemical Pollution
Oil fouls feathers, reduces insulation and waterproofing, and poisons birds.
Plastic often carries PCBs, methylmercury, and other toxins that harm albatrosses.
5. Light & Marine Infrastructure
Artificial lighting from boats and offshore installations disorients fledglings, leading to collision or grounding.
Offshore wind farms and platforms also pose collision risks and habitat disruption.
Wildlife Jewels Conservation Collaborators Updates
Wildlife Jewels is proud to announce we have joined the Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery!
Unveiling the Wildlife Jewels Scapolite Chuck the Owl Collection — a special collaboration with San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife! This enchanting capsule features original artwork and designs by Wildlife Jewels® Collections , celebrating Chuck—a majestic Western Screech Owl and beloved wildlife ambassador.
One Week Left to Enter the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition World Penguin Day Art Contest! Dive into the magic of Antarctica and discover how to paint an Adélie Penguin with Wildlife Jewels!
We’re excited to introduce the Wildlife Jewels x Project Wildlife Ambassadors Collection! This artistic collection features enchanting designs, complementary colors, and vibrant prints, all exclusively created by Wildlife Jewels to raise awareness for the majestic Wildlife Ambassadors of San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife — including Hannah the Pygmy Hippo, Brawley the Coyote, and Rita the Raccoon!
Thank you for joining us at the Wildlife Jewels & San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife Art for Wildlife Fundraiser! During this special event, we unveiled our new Wildlife Jewels x Project Wildlife Ambassadors Collection, inspired by Project Wildlife's incredible Wildlife Ambassadors.
Join us for an exciting evening all about wildlife! Meet Wildlife Ambassadors, learn about Project Wildlife’s work and grab some delicious food and drinks at Serpentine Cider!
Hannah’s story has touched our hearts, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her journey by creating a special work of art, “Hannah the Pygmy Hippo’s Dreams”, capturing her beauty and resilience. This piece, along with other designs, will be part of our upcoming Wildlife Jewels® Collections Conservation Capsule dedicated to Hannah.
We recently had the pleasure of visiting San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Project Wildlife Campus and meeting their precious wildlife ambassadors. It was a delight to learn about and photograph the majestic wildlife ambassadors.
Today, we are delighted to celebrate this special World Krill Day through the arts, inspired by the beautiful, fascinating, and science-fiction-like Antarctic Krill. Please join us as we explore and honor these incredible creatures!
We are excited to share a sneak peek of the upcoming launch of Wildlife Jewels Collections Thandi and Zolani conservation capsule collection. This exclusive collection features fine art, decor, and fashion pieces inspired by precious Thandi the Rhino and her calf Zolani, aimed at supporting rhino conservation through shops, education, outreach exhibitions, and more.
Wildlife Jewels® is honored to join the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) as a Coalition Member.
Wildlife Jewels® is a proud new partner of the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, working together to protect wildlife from illegal trade.
Wildlife Jewels is honored to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) #NatureForAll!
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Updates
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew rescued a Brandt’s Cormorant entangled in fishing gear at La Jolla Cove and transported the bird to wildlife rehabilitation for care.
Wildlife Jewels is searching for Beryl, a recently fledged Western Gull in La Jolla with fishing line and a lure wrapped around her beak. Learn how to report a sighting.
A Second Chance for an Entangled Brown Pelican. One moment of awareness helped change the course of his life. On July 22, 2026, a Wildlife Jewels® Search Scout survey at Crystal Cove State Park became an unexpected rescue mission.
Wildlife Jewels continues monitoring injured harbor seal pup Kyanite at La Jolla's Children's Pool. Giving her space to haul out could provide a chance for rescue.
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.
Wildlife Jewels® documented Blue-Banded Brown Pelican 429 during a Point La Jolla Search Scout survey, helping track the bird's recovery after rehabilitation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you to everyone who attended a recent Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew training session at La Jolla Shores.
🚨 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.
🚨 ENTANGLED WILDLIFE ALERT — La Jolla Cove 🚨
During our recent EYES wildlife monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we documented two entangled Brandt’s cormorants within ~2 feet of each other—including clearly visible rope/line. 💔
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
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.
Introducing the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew (Pilot Program) for Birds | La Jolla Cove and North County San Diego.
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.
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.
We encountered this precious sea lion at La Jolla Cove on July 5th. If you see her—or any other entangled sea lions, seals, or seabirds—please report the sighting immediately using our Entangled Wildlife Form and the rescue hotline numbers provided in the link below.
✨ This gull family, lovingly named The Cliffside Crystals, has been monitored by Wildlife Jewels since nest building at La Jolla Children’s Pool. Despite ongoing challenges from human disturbance, both parents and fledglings continue to persevere—shining as a symbol of hope along our coastline.
🆘 Our Precious Gulls Need Your Help!
A devastating illness is suddenly impacting gulls across Southern California, leaving many sick and dying. Every moment counts — we need your help to spot and report distressed gulls before it’s too late.
💔This precious 7-week-old fledgling gull chick— and her devoted parents — have been part of our EYES wildlife monitoring program since the day she hatched.
Celebrating the release of 13 precious California Brown Pelicans who were impacted by the recent, devastating domoic acid poisoning crisis.
We encountered this precious sea lion at La Jolla Cove on July 5th. If you see her—or any other entangled sea lions, seals, or seabirds—please report the sighting immediately using our Entangled Wildlife Form and the rescue hotline numbers provided in the link below.
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.
Wildlife Jewels Wildlife Days Updates
Discover why Antarctic krill are vital to the Southern Ocean food web and how protecting krill helps penguins, whales, seals, seabirds, and other wildlife.
Celebrate World Seabird Day with Wildlife Jewels and learn how field monitoring, rescue support, and conservation help protect California's remarkable seabirds.
Celebrate World Seabird Day with Wildlife Jewels and learn how field monitoring, rescue support, and conservation help protect California's remarkable seabirds.
Today is World Albatross Day.
Last year, during Southern California’s seabird crisis, Wildlife Jewels had the opportunity to document a precious Laysan Albatross receiving expert care at Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center after potentially suffering from domoic acid poisoning.
Happy World Migratory Bird Day 🕊️💙
This year’s theme, “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter,” reminds us that community observations can play a powerful role in protecting migratory birds.
Happy World Wildlife Day. 🌍🦋🌿
Proclaimed by the United Nations, World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3 to celebrate wild animals and plants and recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.
2 Weeks to Go: Wildlife Jewels’ World Wildlife Day Celebration in Newport Beach + Exhibitor Spotlights Coming Soon!
✨ World Wetlands Day 2026 spotlighting our Jewels of San Elijo Lagoon ✨Sharing a few magical moments from our wildlife observation + monitoring—precious “wetland jewels” whose lives depend on these habitats.
Wildlife Jewels Shine Spotlight of the week!
Meet Opal, a precious Greater Roadrunner we recently had the delight of observing at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.
Wildlife Jewels World Wetlands Day Walk: A precious California Brown Pelican at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Wildlife Jewels’s Explore Wildlife Days: Discovering the Majesty of the Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Unveiling Wildlife Jewels Peach Sapphire the Pelican Collection!