Since the beginning of April, hundreds of starving, emaciated, and deceased California Brown Pelicans have been found along the California coast. This is a devastating and deeply saddening crisis. These precious pelicans urgently need help as they are starving, emaciated, and dehydrated. If spotted and rescued in time, they have a great chance of survival with proper treatment.

Many pelicans are also found severely entangled in fishing gear. If you see a stranded pelican, please monitor it and ensure it is not harmed until a rescuer arrives.

In the video below, filmed on May 2nd during our search for distressed Pelicans, we found at least 15 pelicans stranded on the beach, with one sadly entangled in fishing gear. We called all rescue options for help, but unfortunately, it was after hours. We returned the next morning to search for the stranded pelicans. While we couldn't find the pelican entangled in the fishing gear, we did spot another precious pelican and guarded him until he was safely transported for care.

Every single Pelican is precious and every single Pelican counts. Please join us in this critical mission to save our precious Pelicans.

How You Can Help:

We are seeking volunteers to join us and help us find distressed Pelicans. We also are seeking volunteers to monitor human activities that may harm the Pelicans. The Pelicans are starving going around fishing harbors looking for fish, they are weak and unable to defend themselves if approached. Please join us to help save Pelicans. Whether you have experience in wildlife rescue or simply a passion for protecting our natural habitats, your assistance is invaluable. You’ll simply be walking along the beach while reporting any signs of distressed Pelicans.

To help us locate and report distressed Pelicans, please submit the form below, and we will provide you with further information and detailed instructions.

Wildlife Jewels Pelican Rescue Collective Group Volunteer Interest From

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Are you 18 years or older AND no longer in high school?

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Do you have a valid driver’s license?

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In which locations are you willing to conduct monitoring? (Select all that apply) *

Santa Barbara

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Orange County

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San Diego

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Wildlife Jewels® RESCUE COLLECTIVE VOLUNTEER WAIVER OF LIABILITY (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY) *

By signing below, I agree to the following terms: I am over the age of 18. I am volunteering my services for the Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Collective Group. I will perform assigned tasks that are within my physical capability and will not undertake tasks beyond my ability. I will perform only those tasks assigned, observe all safety rules, and use care in the performance of my assignments. I understand that Wildlife Jewels® will not be liable or responsible in any way for any injury or other damages to me as a result of my participation in the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Collective Group activities or events. I acknowledge that participating in beach or inland water wildlife rescue and monitoring carries inherent risks, including but not limited to the potential for injury, infection, or physical harm from hazardous materials, wildlife encounters, poisonous plants, and environmental conditions such as flooding, rockslides, sun exposure, or rugged terrain. I confirm that I have no known physical or health limitations that prevent me from safely participating in the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Collective activities. In consideration for being allowed to participate, I assume all risks, whether foreseen or unforeseen, and release Wildlife Jewels® from any claim or lawsuit for personal injury or property damage arising from my participation in the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Collective activities, including claims based on the negligence of other participants or the released parties, whether passive or active. I understand and agree that the terms herein are contractual and legally binding. I consent to the use of my image in published materials and websites that promote the programs of Wildlife Jewels® . By providing my email address below, I agree to receive future communications from Wildlife Jewels® regarding Wildlife Jewels® events and other Public Education programs. I have fully informed myself of the contents of this liability release and assumption of risk. I hereby release and hold harmless Wildlife Jewels® from any claim or lawsuit for personal injury or property damage arising out of participation in the Event, including both claims arising during the activity and after I complete the activity.

I agree to the Terms & Conditions

Thank you!

Video: Stranded starving Pelicans at Corona del Mar State Beach.

A precious California Brown Pelican we guarded until he was safely transported to care at Corona del Mar State Beach, 3 March 2024.

The Pelican Stranding Crisis:

Since Tuesday, April 23rd, a large number of California Brown Pelicans have been found in a state of emaciation and dehydration, with multiple reports of deceased pelicans discovered along the California coast. A similar situation occurred in May 2022, lasting for months and affecting hundreds of pelicans across the California coast, including San Diego. Locating these pelicans as swiftly as possible is imperative for their survival.

Signs of distress can include falling over, seizing and losing balance. If members of the public spot a pelican in distress, call the local helplines at:

Santa Barbara (805) 681-1080 (Santa Barbara Wildlife Network)

Orange County (714) 374 - 5587 Wetlands & Wildlife Center or Orange County Animal Control 714-935-6848

Orange County Animal Control after hours (949)644-3717

Los Angeles (310) 514- 2573

San Diego (800) 541- 7325

Call to Action:

In the face of this crisis, time is of the essence. Every second counts when it comes to locating and aiding a distressed Pelican and preventing further harm.

As part of our Wildlife Jewels Rescue Collective Group, we are issuing an urgent call for volunteers to join our efforts in monitoring the beaches and help us locate and report affected Pelicans. These Pelicans are showing signs of starvation and unusual behaviors, such as appearing in unusual locations and going near beachgoers for food. We need volunteers to stay near the stranded Pelicans to protect them from potential disturbances until help arrives.

Your involvement could make a lifesaving difference in the recovery of these majestic Pelicans.

Wildlife Jewels California Brown Pelicans Surf 2024

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About Wildlife Jewels®: Wildlife Jewels® is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Solana Beach and Corona Del Mar, California. Our mission is to protect wildlife from threats driven by human activities, to inspire individuals to value living wildlife, and to empower them to take impactful actions to save wildlife.

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California Brown Pelican Crisis: Help Us Find Distressed Pelicans