Help Save Sea Lions with Domoic Acid Poisoning Southern California
Sea Lions in Crisis: Suspected Domoic Acid Event
Sadly, sea lions are suffering from domoic acid poisoning once again. Reports from Malibu indicate cases, and the toxin may also be impacting sea lions across Orange County and San Diego. 💔
In 2023 and 2024, this dangerous toxin affected thousands of marine mammals, leading to widespread illness and death. Now, the crisis has reemerged, and sea lions urgently need our help.
A Personal Encounter
During the domoic acid crisis in 2023, we encountered a beautiful sea lion in Solana Beach in distress. He displayed symptoms such as sudden head weaving—a common sign of poisoning. We immediately contacted the nearest marine mammal rescue center and stayed by his side until help arrived from @seaworldsandiego Rescue. The busy beach made the situation even more challenging, with unaware beachgoers and children unknowingly approaching the struggling sea lion.
🆘 What is Domoic Acid Poisoning?
This toxin, produced by harmful algal blooms, affects the nervous system and can cause:
⚠️ Stargazing (abnormal upward gaze)
⚠️ Disorientation & head weaving
⚠️ Mouth foaming & lethargy
⚠️ Erratic behavior & seizures
If not treated promptly, domoic acid poisoning can lead to irreversible brain damage and death.
🚨 How You Can Help
Timely discovery and treatment are life-saving. If you encounter a sea lion showing signs of distress:
✅ Contact the nearest marine mammal rescue center immediately.
✅ Keep a safe distance but stay nearby to ensure the sea lion is not disturbed by dogs, crowds, or unaware beachgoers.
📞 Rescue Hotlines:
📍 Los Angeles County:
🔹 California Wildlife Center: (310) 458-9453
🔹 Marine Mammal Care Center: (800)-39-WHALE
📍 Orange County:
🔹 Pacific Marine Mammal Center: (949) 494-3050
📍 San Diego County:
🔹 SeaWorld Rescue: (800) 541-7325
🌊 Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Collective Group!
Help us locate and report distressed sea lions and seabirds by joining our Wildlife Jewels® Rescue Collective Wildlife Monitoring Group.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Group Wildlife Monitoring Team to assist in locating and reporting distressed sea lions. Sign up to be part of our efforts to protect these incredible animals and contribute to their recovery.
Explore Wildlife Jewels Rescue Marine Mammal Resources
Rescue of a California Sea Lion we spotted in Solana Beach poisoned by domoic acid in June 2023
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 wildlife 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 sea lions. We are seeking volunteers to stay near the stranded sea lions to protect them from potential disturbances until help arrives.
Your involvement could make a lifesaving difference in the recovery of these majestic sea lions.
How You Can Help:
Please join us to help save sea lions. 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 sickened sea lions.
To help us locate and report distressed sea lions, please submit the form below, and we will provide you with further information and detailed instructions.
Every single Sea Lion is precious and every single Sea Lion counts. Please join us in this critical mission to save our magnificent Sea Lions.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Our majestic California Brown Pelicans are in urgent need of help. Sickened by toxic algae, they are being found in alarming numbers. As of today, the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Orange County is caring for 75 Pelicans recovering from domoic acid poisoning.