Over the past two days the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network has been inundated with ailing brown pelicans found in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. More than 30 of the birds were being treated Monday, and officials aren’t sure of the cause of their condition.
Similar incidents have been reported up and down the Southern California coastline.
Seven brown pelicans were found Saturday and another 25 on Sunday. Most of them were beached, unable to move, or found in unusual locations, according to the SBWCN, which is treating the birds at the nonprofit organization’s hospital at 1460 N. Fairview Ave. in Goleta.
“Most of these birds arrived severely emaciated, weak and unable to fly,” the network said in a statement Monday. “The exact cause of their condition is unknown at this time.”
On Monday, the SBWCN said many of the birds are in critical condition. Treatment teams are giving the pelicans fluids, medicine, warmth and supportive care as they recuperate.
SBWCN opened up its Seabird Bay, which usually is reserved for a handful of bird patients, into a large pen to accommodate the influx. With the recent surge of pelican patients and with the spring breeding season, the facility is currently caring for 250 animals.
The Wildlife Care Network’s new state-of-the-art hospital opened in February after years of planning and about a year of construction. The complex, less than a mile north of Cathedral Oaks Road, was damaged in the 2018 Holiday Fire that swept through the area.
On Monday morning, a Santa Barbara resident told Noozhawk she saw about a dozen dead pelicans during a morning walk along East Beach, and in the afternoon, the California Highway Patrol was fielding reports of sick pelicans on Highway 101 near South Milpas Street, according to emergency radio traffic.
Wildlife Care Network staff and volunteers have been picking up the birds and transporting them to the rehabilitation facility. Santa Barbara Animal Control staff have also been assisting with rescues.
To report a pelican in need of help, call the SBWCN Helpline at 805.681.1080 and provide the exact location of the bird. People are advised not to touch dead birds, and to report them to the same helpline, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Santa Barbara Animal Control staff can be reached at 805.882.8900 for emergencies or after-hours response.
“I’m so proud of our staff, volunteers and the entire community for jumping into action to help these pelicans,” said Ariana Katovich, executive director of the Wildlife Care Network. “While we’re still unsure what’s causing this emergency situation, we are continuing to take in these birds and help them in any way we can.”
Katovich said the public can support SBWCN’s efforts by making a financial contribution to support the purchase of medication, fluids, food and other supplies. Click here to make an online donation.
— Lauren Luna is a Noozhawk contributing writer. Contact her at news@noozhawk.com.