Orange County Wildlife Center Appeals for Help Amid Pelican Die-Off

Pelican Die-Off in Southern California

• 💔 Dozens of sick pelicans, over 100 in total, are being brought to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Orange County.
• ⚠️ Sadly, 45 of these pelicans have already died, with many more still being treated to regain their health.

Cause of the Illness

• 🦠 The issue is believed to be a toxic outbreak, likely from a harmful algal bloom off the Southern California coast, releasing a neurotoxin.
• 🐟 This toxin affects fish, which are then eaten by birds, leading to severe illness.
• ⚡ Symptoms include mild to full seizures, requiring immediate intervention.

How to Help Sick Birds

• 🆘 If you find a pelican on the beach that does not try to get away, it is likely sick and needs help.
• 📞 Do not attempt to pick up the bird yourself; instead, call Animal Control or local lifeguards (Huntington Beach/Sunset Beach) for assistance.
• 🏥 The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center can be reached at 714-375-5874.

Center's Needs and Events

• ⏳ The center has experienced similar events before, including a large influx of distressed birds in 2006 and a starvation event with pelicans last year.
• 🍽️ Caring for these birds involves daily tasks like taking blood samples, weighing them, and feeding them 4 to 6 pounds of fish per day per bird.
• 💰 Donations are crucial for the center's operations, and they are also in need of towels and sheets.
• 📅 A "wildlife baby shower" event is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, at 1 PM, allowing visitors to see the young animals in the marsupial room.