Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Sick brown pelicans flood Huntington Beach wildlife facility. How you can help
The birds are being treated with IV fluids, blood tests and anti-seizure medication, if needed.
(
Newt Likier
/
Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center
)
Brown pelicans suffering from domoic acid toxicity — a harmful neurotoxin that affects their brain and nervous system — have inundated a Huntington Beach wildlife facility.
The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center is currently caring for more than 650 animals, including 50 sick pelicans, many of which need intensive treatment.
Debbie McGuire, executive director, told LAist they haven’t seen this many animal patients dealing with domoic acid toxicity in nearly 20 years.
“ Our staff is very tired because they're working overtime and extra hours. ... We’re just overwhelmed,” she said.
Support for LAist comes from
Where the center stands
The center has taken in at least 125 pelicans over the past month, and some have been incredibly sick.
They’re being treated with IV fluids, blood tests and anti-seizure medication, if needed, but not all recover. Staffers are “doing as much as they can, and the animal still might pass away,” McGuire said.
Almost all the early pelican patients were adults, but now younger birds are also flooding Southern California facilities.
“If [adults] were getting sick and dying, then these chicks were left there to fend for themselves and probably leaving the nest a little early, not learning the art of the hunt from the adults,” she said. “They're coming in by the dozens right now.”
Support for LAist comes from
The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center is waiting on test results to see if those birds are also dealing with domoic acid toxicity.
How you can help
The center needs both volunteers and donations to help keep up with the influx of animals.
Some of the sick brown pelicans being cared for by the nonprofit.
(
Newt Likier
/
Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center
)
They’re looking for volunteers who can commit to at least one shift a week, and you can apply here.
They’re also seeking veterinary students and people with wildlife rehabilitation experience who can come give the staff a much-needed break.
For donations, you can choose items from the center’s wish list, including towels and mealworms. But McGuire said financial contributions make the biggest difference for the nonprofit and its roughly $1 million annual costs.
Support for LAist comes from
“We have to raise a lot of money every year to keep the operation going. ... Without the public support, we wouldn't be able to keep doing what we're doing,” she said. “I want to make sure everybody knows how grateful and thankful we are for that."
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist