More than 90 seabirds have been brought into International Bird Rescue’s care since March exhibiting signs of domoic acid toxicity – a naturally occurring neurotoxin produced by a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) affecting the ocean off Southern California. Of these, 57 have been adult California Brown Pelicans, who were busily raising their chicks offshore on the Channel Islands when the event began.
At Bird Rescue, each patient showing signs of domoic acid poisoning receives intensive care. Birds often arrive having seizures or disoriented, in visible distress. To stop their neurological symptoms, staff administer anti-seizure medications and sedatives through an IV catheter – typically keeping patients under sedation for the initial few days while their bodies work alongside various medications and fluid therapy to flush out the toxin.
“When the meds start working, this beautiful Brown Pelican can finally rest,” said Julie Skoglund, Senior Director of Operations and Programs. “With supportive care and the right treatment, they’re now sleeping peacefully – on the long road to recovery, but headed in the right direction.”
Many of these birds also require treatment for injuries sustained while they were having seizures – such as pressure wounds from prolonged sitting on their hocks during the neurologically unstable phase of their illness, or even fractures. Some of the seizures are quite violent, imagine a big gangly pelican flipping and thrashing during a seizure. These injuries can be severe, and in some cases, patients require surgery to fully recover.
Once they are fully awake, eating on their own, and stable off medication, recovering pelicans graduate first to a small outdoor enclosure and then to a large aviary, where they can stretch their wings, bathe, and regain strength alongside dozens of others in care. Watching a previously lethargic bird take to the water again or start to fly is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with dedicated care and compassion.
You can be part of that healing. A donation of any amount helps provide the medical care, nutrition, and expert attention these seabirds need to recover and return to the wild. Make a gift now and stand with us in protecting seabirds from domoic acid poisoning and other growing environmental threats.