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. Watch the animated reenactment to see how it all happened.
More than three decades after the Exxon Valdez oil spill on March 24, 1989, oiled wildlife response has advanced dramatically—thanks in part to International Bird Rescue.
This month marks the 35th anniversary of the February 7, 1990 American Trader Spill, a pivotal event in the history of wildlife rescue. Looking back at photos from that time, it’s clear how much has changed in the way we respond to wildlife crises.
This month marks the 25th anniversary of smaller but significant wildlife oil spill response in Coos Bay, Oregon. The M/V New Carissa fuel oil spill affected wintering, threatened Snowy Plovers.
Bird Rescue was activated this week through California’s Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN). Canada geese recovered at the incident site arrived into care at our center in Fairfield, CA.
Working in animal healthcare can be challenging, it is one of the job categories that is affected by compassion fatigue. Oil spill responses can bring up emotional and physical fatigue for wildlife responders.
Just as our wildlife response work at the Peru oil spill was winding down, Bird Rescue received a call to respond to a spill in Medford, Oregon, as thousands of gallons of petroleum products were released into a sensitive natural area. A team of six was quickly activated on the ground working to rescue wildlife … Read more
It’s been nearly three months since a 500,000 gallon oil spill coated beaches and wildlife along the coast of Peru. In those months International Bird Rescue has done what it knows best: Providing seasoned personnel with years of experience to South America to assist with the rescue and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife.
Our experienced team of wildlife professionals is responding to a major Peru oil spill to support our partner organization, Brazil-based Aiuká, and help care impacted wildlife.
When a crisis like the recent oil spill arises, Bird Rescue’s team of trained professionals jump into action. This event was an opportunity for some of our newer staff members. including Kelly Beffa, to gain field experience at the Los Angeles wildlife center.