For the second summer in a row, pelicans are dying off by the dozens in Southern California, with much still to be learned about the cause.
The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach has taken in more than 160 animals in the past week, bringing its total number of patients from 492 to 659, the organization said in a news release.
More than 50 of those animals are brown pelicans, many of whom are suffering from domoic-acid poisoning stemming from algal blooms.
Something else is at play, however, as the WWCC pointed out that the birds are also coming in emaciated and starving, the cause of which has yet to be determined.
“Stress is high as we care for over 52 pelicans, many of whom are not yet eating on their own, with no clear sign of slowing down soon,” the WWCC release said.
This mirrors the mass-stranding event of last summer.
As a result of the uptick in patients and intensive care required, “help is needed,” the WWCC explained.
“We require financial support to purchase fish and other necessary feed for our 659 patients in care. We need bath-sized towels and flat bed sheets,” the org said.
The public can purchase needed items at wwccoc.org/wish-list.html or donate money at wwccoc.org/donate.html.
