California's wildlife centers are facing a crisis as they are overwhelmed with an influx of starving young Brown Pelicans. International Bird Rescue is raising concerns as their two California centers have admitted nearly 180 fledgling pelicans in recent weeks. This surge signals a potential statewide emergency for this iconic coastal species.
The Los Angeles Wildlife Center and the San Francisco Bay-Delta Wildlife Center in Fairfield are experiencing a sharp rise in admissions. These birds are found far from the coast in unusual locations like parking lots and even inside buildings, indicating they are in distress. The affected pelicans are fledglings, recently leaving their offshore nesting colonies and struggling to find food.
Many of these young pelicans are dangerously underweight and unable to feed themselves. Experts believe that climate change is warming the ocean surface, causing fish to swim deeper and out of the pelicans' reach. If you encounter a pelican in distress, contact your local animal control agency or call International Bird Rescue's Bird HelpLine at 866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473). Monetary donations and volunteers are needed to support the rescue efforts.