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Starving Pelicans Stranded and Struggling on California Coast

Along the shores of California, hundreds of brown pelicans are struggling to survive. In recent weeks, reports have flooded in of emaciated and stranded pelicans, marking what wildlife advocates are calling a crisis.

From Newport Beach to Santa Cruz, the plight of these iconic birds has garnered attention as concerned citizens and wildlife organizations rush to their aid. In southern California alone, lifeguards discovered two dozen sick pelicans on a pier, while the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach has treated over a hundred others, all suffering from anemia, dehydration, and severe malnutrition.

Debbie McGuire, the center’s executive director, grimly emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “They are starving to death, and if we don’t get them into care, they will die. It really is a crisis.” Sadly, this sentiment is echoed by Bird Rescue, a non-profit operating wildlife centers across the state, which has reported taking in more than 235 sick pelicans in just the past three weeks. Disturbingly, many of these birds bear significant injuries from becoming entangled in fishing lines and hooks, further exacerbating their already dire condition.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has confirmed the distressing trend, noting a surge in reports of malnourished pelicans stranded along the coast. Dr. Rebecca Duerr, Bird Rescue’s research and veterinary science director, underscores the severity of the situation, stating, “Most birds are coming in cold, emaciated, and anemic – essentially starving to death.” Tragically, despite the abundance of marine life in the Pacific, these birds are wasting away, their bodies weakened by starvation.

The exact cause of this crisis remains elusive, though the CDFW suspects starvation-related issues. Postmortem examinations are underway to shed light on the mysterious affliction plaguing these birds. Despite the grim outlook, there is a glimmer of hope as wildlife rehabilitation centers tirelessly work to save as many pelicans as possible. Dr. Elizabeth Wood, medical director of the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, offers a ray of optimism, stating, “The great news is the vast majority are recovering if we can get them through those first few critical hours of hypothermia.”

This isn’t the first time California has witnessed such a distressing event. In 2022, a similar crisis saw nearly 800 pelicans admitted into wildlife care facilities, highlighting the vulnerability of these magnificent creatures to environmental threats.