Emaciated pelicans inundating wildlife centers

The Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network has been dealing with an avian catastrophe since May 14, with 140 frail and underweight brown pelicans arriving by truck on Wednesday, according to the Santa Barbara Independent.

According to Lauren Gonzales, communications manager at Wildlife Care Network, 70% of those pelicans have survived, with the majority of them improving their health while under Wildlife Care's supervision and care. 

She explained, "We've been providing them fish, medication, and plenty of saline water. A lot of pelicans are acting more energetically now, which is usually a positive indication."

Fifty to sixty of the remaining pelicans are placed in Wildlife Care facilities, while others have been sent to partner groups like International Bird Rescue. Truckloads of sick birds continue to arrive, with no indication of stopping. They must get a comprehensive examination and blood sample upon arrival. Pelicans have been spotted and rescued in locations far from their usual habitat, including roadways, backyards, freshwater, and tennis courts; Wildlife Care Network has received over 400 calls from worried homeowners across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties since Saturday.

The cause of the unexpected and perplexing event is still being investigated by the S.B. Wildlife Care Network, International Bird Rescue, and the California Fish and Wildlife Department. The timing of the problem coincides with brown pelican mating season, with many of the birds settling on the Santa Barbara Islands and other remote places.

Meanwhile, Wildlife Care personnel and volunteers have been overworked, with many of the latter receiving on-the-job training to examine, feed, handle, and care for the pelicans. "The sheer volume of birds and all the unknown elements out there make the scenario unpleasant and worrisome," Gonzales said. "However, our staff and volunteers are supportive of one another and dedicated to the mission at hand." On Thursday, Wildlife Care's Twitter page, which provides daily updates on the situation, issued a request for more volunteers and funds.

Anyone who sees a pelican in need should phone the Wildlife Care Helpline at (805) 681-1080, which is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Birds that have died should be reported, but not touched or handled.