Pelican Event 2024
Since Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network has received an unusually large influx of Brown Pelican patients.
Birds arriving are emaciated and dehydrated, and many have injuries from fishing hooks and line. There are many more reports of deceased pelicans being found all over Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, This isn't just concentrated in our area either, centers ranging from San Francisco to San Diego are also seeing large numbers of sick and dying pelicans.
Currently, SBWCN is working in collaboration with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and other wildlife rehabilitation centers in southern and central California to identify the cause of this event. While it has been established that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is not involved in this event, several other possibilities are still being ruled out.
All members of the public who see a pelican in distress in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are encouraged to call the Wildlife Helpline at 805-681-1080 before attempting rescue of an animal or to report an animal that needs help.
If a pelican is exhibiting neurologic signs (such as falling over, losing balance, seizing, etc) please do not handle the animal directly, call SBWCN and wait for assistance. In any case, animals should never be touched with bare hands. If you are able to rescue the animal, please call the HELPline for guidance. Messages are checked every 15 minutes until 5:00 p.m. so please leave a message with information on the animal’s exact location, condition/situation, and full and complete contact information.
It’s also wildlife baby season and many animals will be coming to our organization for help and we encourage the members of the public to again call the Wildlife Helpline which is answered seven days a week with any questions or concerns about wildlife in distress.
If you would like to help SBWCN respond to this event please consider making a donation to the work to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife. Your support provides the food, fluids, and medications these birds needed to make a full recovery.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
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DONATE
Your gifts directly support the care and rehabilitation of these birds. If you’d like to help with supplies, shop the Amazon Wishlist.
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VOLUNTEER
If you’d like to become a regular volunteer with SBWCN, please fill out our online application.
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REPORT A SICK BIRD
If you see a sick or injured pelican, please call our Helpline and leave a detailed message with the exact location of the bird: (805) 681-1080.
PELICAN EVENT FAQ
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SBWCN received sick pelicans from all over Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Other wildlife rehabilitation centers in Southern California are also reporting a similar influx of these pelicans. Many pelicans are being found in unusual places, including roadways, fresh water pools, and citizens’ backyards.
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Once they arrive at SBWCN, all pelicans receive an initial exam. The team checks their weight, temperature, hydration levels, body condition, and alertness, as well as any obvious injuries and ailments.
These patients’ treatment plans include:
Fluids (for hydration)
Food (including herring, smelt, sardines, etc.)
Warmth (to stabilize their temperature)
Medications (antibiotics, opioids, etc.)
Supportive care (bandage changes, etc.)
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Donations are vital to continue purchasing medication, fluids, fish, crates, and medical supplies, as well as cover the costs of extra staffing and transportation.
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If you see a pelican that appears lethargic, disoriented, or is in an unusual location, please call our Helpline and leave a detailed message with the location of the bird: 805-681-1080
Please do not handle or touch the bird.
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) affects seabirds, waterfowl, and mammals that predate on waterfowl and seabirds. HPAI is being monitored closely and it is possible for a pelican to have HPAI. You can read more about HPAI on our website. Currently, testing has proven that this influx of pelicans has not been caused by HPAI.
PRESS
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KCLU: Wildlife group reports some pelicans in crisis along the Ventura, Santa Barbara County coastlines
Coastal View News: SBWildlife Care urgently treating emaciated pelicans
KEYT: Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network swamped with sick pelicans
Cal Coast News: Sick pelicans reported along California’s Central Coast
KSBY: Unusually large numbers of sick pelicans brought to local wildlife rehab center
Coastal View News: SBWildlife Care urgently treating emaciated pelicans
Santa Barbara Independent: Sick Brown Pelican Numbers Shoot Upward
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KCLU: A number of sick pelicans are needing treatment and experts aren’t sure why
KEYT: Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Networks prepares for Wild Talks amid incoming sickened pelicans
Noozhawk: Santa Barbara Region is Seeing a Surge in Sick Brown Pelicans
VC Star: Brown pelicans found starving along the California coast. Here's what to know
Smithsonian Magazine: Hundreds of Starving Brown Pelicans Are Turning Up on California Beaches, Puzzling Wildlife Rescuers and Scientists
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Pensacola News Journal: Brown pelicans found 'starving to death' on California coast: Why it could be happening
KCLU: Santa Barbara County wildlife care center swamped with sick California Brown Pelicans
KCLU: Santa Barbara County man travels the globe to document stories about nature