'We Urgently Need Donations': Animal Rescues in California Are Treating More Than 100 Starving Pelicans

Animal rescue centers across California are currently treating more than 100 starving pelicans — a situation that has wildlife specialists heavily concerned.

International Bird Rescue (IBR) said in a press release earlier this week that a "surge" of more than 110 injured and starving Brown Pelicans have arrived at the organization’s two California wildlife centers — one in San Pedro near the Los Angeles Harbor and another in the San Francisco Bay-Delta area.

According to IBR, the pelicans are having a hard time finding fish, and at least 40% of them are arriving for care with "significant injuries" stemming from fishing lines and hooks.

Diagnostic testing, the organization said, "has not revealed any evidence of diseases such as bird flu that may be causing these strandings."

IBR also said that the animals are being discovered in unusual places away from where they are typically found near the coast, including a lake at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and a fire station in Malibu.

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In a statement, Dr. Rebecca Duerr, IBR's Director of Research & Veterinary Science, said, “Most birds are coming in cold, emaciated and anemic, essentially starving to death. Many of them are exhibiting severe injuries, especially from fishing hooks and line.”

Kylie Clatterbuck, the Los Angeles Wildlife Center Manager, added in his own statement, "We urgently need donations to help care for these starving birds. As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of the public to help pay for additional medicine and the extraordinary cost of fish.”

IBR plans to host the Soaring Twenties Benefit on June 8, which will be held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles and provide aid to the cause.

The organization urges individuals who find a pelican in need of care to contact IBR's Bird HelpLine at 866-SOS-BIRD (866-767-2473) or their local animal control office.

Donations to IBR can be made here. Tickets to attend the Soaring Twenties Benefit can be purchased here.

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