Pelican Event 2024

On Tuesday, April 23, Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network began receiving an unusually large influx of brown pelican patients. Birds arriving are emaciated and dehydrated with many more reports of deceased pelicans being found all over Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

The SBWCN team is going into emergency response mode and is working to monitor this situation. It’s too early to state the cause of pelicans and distress, but Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network will work to keep the public informed as it gains more information.

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

  • DONATE

    Your gifts directly support the care and rehabilitation of these birds. If you’d like to help with supplies, shop the Amazon Wishlist.

    DONATE

  • VOLUNTEER

    If you’d like to become a regular volunteer with SBWCN, please fill out our online application.

    VOLUNTEER

  • 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.

    REPORT A BIRD

 PELICAN EVENT FAQ

  • 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.

  • 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.)

  • Donations are vital to continue purchasing medication, fluids, fish, crates, and medical supplies, as well as cover the costs of extra staffing and transportation.

  • 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.

  • 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.