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Saving birds around the world since 1971

Photo of an oiled Western Grebe being washed in a tub of water and Dawn dishwashing liquid
Washing an oiled Western Grebe after being oiled in natural seep off Southern California coast. Photo: International Bird Rescue

MISSION
To inspire people to act toward balance with the natural world by rescuing waterbirds in crisis.

VISION
We dream of a world in which every person, every day, takes action to protect the natural home of wildlife and ourselves.

ORGANIZATION STORY
In 1971, after 800,000 gallons of crude oil spilled into the bay, concerned individuals led by nurse Alice Berkner founded International Bird Rescue. Since then, Bird Rescue has responded to over 300 oil spills & wildlife emergencies and cared for more than a quarter million birds on six continents.
Video: How It All Began

Bird Rescue is a proud founding partner in the State of California’s Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), which is hosted at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis, as well as the Global Oiled Wildlife Response System (GOWRS), a consortium of leading experts trying to solve the challenges of oiled wildlife outside of currently covered geographies.

BY THE NUMBERS
Wildlife treated annually: 4,500 average
Volunteers Hours each year: 31,000
Oil spill & wildlife emergency response: 300+ spills across six continents

History

International Bird Rescue: Merging science and compassion.

Our Team

The International Bird Rescue staff and response team bring a multitude of skills, experience and background to the organization.

Board of Directors

The International Bird Rescue staff and response team bring a multitude of skills, experience and background to the organization.

Our Wildlife Centers

International Bird Rescue maintains wildlife care centers in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and a spill response center in Alaska.

Remember

We remember people who are now gone, but not forgotten for their positive contributions at International Bird Rescue.

  • About
    • Who We Are
    • History
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    • Remember

About

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International Bird Rescue is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Tax ID number: 94-1739027
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