During the Ventura oil incident in November 2025, responders Dan Vega and Alex Carver faced an unusual challenge. An oiled grebe was surrounded by sea lions, making a typical capture impossible. Because sea lions are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to disturb them, so the team had to think creatively to reach the bird safely.
In this retelling, Dan shares the moment and the quick thinking it required. Adrian Gastelum’s illustration brings the scene to life, offering a rare look at the problem solving that happens in the field. Watch the animated reenactment to see how it all happened.
Stories like this highlight what readiness really means. Being prepared, adapting in the moment to innovate, and working as a team so that when the next bird needs help, we are ready.
Just as the last grebe from that November incident was released back to the wild, the work continues. Since December 30, 2025, more than 100 oiled grebes have come into care from across Southern California, contaminated by natural oil seep, a reminder that the need to stay ready never stops. You can follow updates on ongoing oiled bird response efforts and help support this work here: Southern California Oiled Bird Incidents.