Updated June 4, 2024 4:17 PM
A surge of injured and starving Brown Pelicans arriving into care is causing real concern among wildlife specialists. Since April 20th, nearly 360 pelican patients have arrived at the organization’s two California wildlife centers.
Read: Some pelicans have been released
The birds are having difficulty finding fish and at least 40% are arriving with significant injuries – many entangled in fishing line and hooks.
“We urgently need donations to help care for these starving birds,” said Kylie Clatterbuck, Los Angeles Wildlife Center Manager. “As a non-profit we rely on the generosity of the public to help pay for additional medicine and the extraordinary cost of fish.”
“We urgently need donations to help care for these starving birds” –Kylie Clatterbuck, Los Angeles Wildlife Center Manager
The public can donate to support the care of pelicans HERE.
Diagnostic testing has not revealed any evidence of diseases such as bird flu that may be causing these strandings. Bird Rescue’s staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide the affected birds with the best care they desperately need to recover and return to the wild.
“Most birds are coming in cold, emaciated and anemic – essentially starving to death,” said Dr. Rebecca Duerr, Bird Rescue’s Director of Research & Veterinary Science. “Many of them are exhibiting severe injuries – especially from fishing hooks and line.”
In Northern California the bulk of pelicans arriving into care are coming from the Monterey and Santa Cruz areas. We are thankful for the help and transportation of affected birds from Monterey SPCA and Native Animal Rescue (NAR) in Santa Cruz.
Down in Southern California the pelicans are being rescued in odd spots. This week several birds were rescued inland from a lake at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Another starving pelican showed up at a fire station in Malibu.
Dr. Duerr also reminds folks fishing: “If you accidentally hook a bird, please do not just cut the bird loose. The hooks cause bad infections and the line wraps around limbs, cutting off circulation.”
If you have found a pelican in need of care, the public is urged to contact the organization’s Bird HelpLine at 866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473). After hours, they should contact their local animal control office.
This pelican crisis is reminiscent of the May 2022 event that saw at least 350 starving Brown Pelicans come into care at Bird Rescue wildlife centers. See blog post
Bird Rescue operates two California wildlife centers, one in San Pedro near the Los Angeles Harbor and another in the San Francisco Bay-Delta area.
Media reports
Wildlife experts highlight state’s brown pelicans problem following viral appearances at Giants games, NBC Bay Area
Bay Area animal groups stepping up to help after surge in starving brown pelicans, ABC-7 News
