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.
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.
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“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.”
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.
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.
This article by Makenna Sievertson was first published by Laist on 16 April 2025. Lead Image: The birds are being treated with IV fluids, blood tests and anti-seizure medication, if needed. (Newt Likier/ Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center).
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