Malaia the Pelican’s Rescue at La Jolla Cove and Domoic Acid Crisis — A precious California Brown Pelican receiving care at the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach.

During Tuesday’s Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla monitoring walk, sadly we spotted multiple pelicans showing signs of domoic acid poisoning. One, thankfully, was in an accessible spot on the beach.

We first noticed him from a distance—it was clear from his behavior something was wrong. We observed quietly for a few hours while calling for help. He was frightened by the crowd and slipped into the water, too weak to fly. We were so relieved when he made it back to the sand.

We stayed with him, watching and waiting, making sure he stayed safe until help arrived.

Thanks to the San Diego Humane Society, he was safely taken to Project Wildlife for care. 💚

Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective to help us find and save more precious coastal wildlife—like Malaia the Pelican! Discover ways you can get involved!

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Malaia the Pelican’s Rescue at La Jolla Cove and Domoic Acid Crisis

Pelicans in Crisis: Help Us Save Pelicans

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

— Azi Sharif, Founder & Executive Director of Wildlife Jewels

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Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES, Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla

Malaia the Pelican’s Rescue at La Jolla Cove and Domoic Acid Crisis

Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES, Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla

During Tuesday’s Wildlife Jewels® EYES monitoring walk mat La Jolla Cove, sadly we spotted multiple pelicans showing signs of domoic acid poisoning. One, thankfully, was in an accessible spot on the beach.

Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES, Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla

Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES, Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, Conservation Collaborators

From Domoic Acid Poisoning to Recovery: A Brown Pelican’s Story of Hope

Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES, Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, Conservation Collaborators

Sharing a precious California Brown Pelican who’s fortunate to have been rescued and is now on the road to recovery after surviving the devastating effects of domoic acid poisoning. She’s a glimmer of hope amidst the tragic domoic acid crisis impacting our seabirds and sea lions along the coast.

Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES, Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center, Conservation Collaborators

Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES

Pelicans in Crisis: Help Us Save Pelicans

Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES

Our majestic California Brown Pelicans are facing a devastating crisis—domoic acid poisoning. One of the earliest signs is head swaying, a symptom. This video shows just a few of the many pelicans we observed suffering at La Jolla Cove on Thursday.

Wildlife Jewels Rescue, Wildlife Crisis, Pelican Crisis, Domoic Acid, Wildlife Jewels EYES

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Malaia the Pelican’s Rescue at La Jolla Cove and Domoic Acid Crisis

During Tuesday’s Wildlife Jewels EYES La Jolla monitoring walk, sadly we spotted multiple pelicans showing signs of domoic acid poisoning. One, thankfully, was in an accessible spot on the beach.

Join the Wildlife Jewels’ EYES Collective to help us find and save more precious coastal wildlife—like Malaia the Pelican! Discover ways you can get involved!

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