Brown pelicans in Southern California are filling wildlife rehabilitation centers, whether sick or hungry, a double crisis that wildlife experts believe can be linked to the blooming of large amounts of toxic algae.
Over the past month, hundreds of seabirds have been poisoned by polysaccharide acid, a neurotoxin produced by harmful algae flowers that are consumed by filter-fed fish such as anchovies and sardines. Small fish are not affected by toxins, but many seabirds and marine mammals that feed on these fish are deadly. More than 100 areas The sea lion is already sick Toxins and dozens of dead dolphins over the past few months.
Over the past month, hundreds of seabirds have been poisoned by Domoic Acid, a neurotoxin produced by the flowering of harmful algae. The disease is highly fatal.
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But recently, officials have also been responding to the influx of infant pelicans with no toxins, but are struggling to survive due to malnutrition.
Officials believe the two phenomena are related: As more adult pelicans become ill, disoriented or die, this makes more and more infant pelicans unable to raise themselves, leaving their nests prematurely when they don’t know how to fish.
This is just a theory, but experts say it will help explain the unprecedented hungry baby pelicans that appear at the Wildlife Rescue Center.
“It’s unusual for us to receive such a young chick,” International Bird RescueIt is a global conservation organization with one of the largest wildlife rescue centers in San Pedro Write on its website. “Many people are very young birds, not fully grown up and don’t seem to understand how to support themselves.”
“They just starve and die of coldness and grief,” said Rebecca Duerr, director of research and veterinary science at the center. As of Tuesday, experts were caring for 60 Pelican babies at their San Pedro location, with more coming every day. In addition to about 50 birds, many adult pelicans enter the center due to polysaccharide acidosis. After that, more than half of the birds died.
“We kept thinking it was over and then we got more birds,” Duer said of the influx.
have Other times in recent years When the California Brown Pelicans, Federally protected species, The number of people who died or were thin was found to be very high. And other years When a large number of animals get sick from alginic acid, it occurs naturally because of algae blossom. However, this year’s concurrent incidents are particularly concerned about officials.
Debbie McGuire, Executive Director Wetlands and Wildlife Care Centre On Huntington Beach, she believes the runoff from the Los Angeles fires could increase blooms this year as nutrient levels change in the ocean Can increase strength and length bloom. Officials don’t know how long this flower lasts. the scientist I also found it Human-induced climate change and warming seawater can also increase the blooming growth of harmful algae.
McGuire said she doesn’t remember the bird acid treatment of so many birds at once in the past 20 years, noting that it is testing the center’s workforce and capacity.
Huntington Beach’s Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center is working to keep up with the number of brown pelicans in its rehabilitation centers. Dozens of species of seabirds have been found to be sick and hungry.
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“My staff are burning midnight oil for a month,” McGuire said. “It’s hard for them – a lot of compassion and love come into our jobs.”
She said her team was caring for nearly 60 brown pelicans as of Tuesday, up seven times from the previous day — and most require intensive care, usually including anti-Seteria drugs, IVS or courses, or courses. Nevertheless, more than 50% of the pelicans they took last month had died because if the disease progressed too far, many birds that were sick from polysaccharides could not be preserved.
“If we save them quickly enough, but time is crucial,” McGuire said.
Two centers said people found lost birds last month at the dock near Los Angeles International Airport and Amazon warehouses, including in unexpected and often harmful locations on Highway 405.
The birds “don’t know where they are, they’ll be confused, they’ll fly inland,” McGuire said.
Both rescue centers are also treating other seabird diseases from Tamolic acid, including Grebs in the West, Corworms in Brandt and Laziness in the Red-throated, but the brown pelicans are most often sick. McGuire said it would be a worrying issue if the situation continues at the current rate.
Brown pelicans in Southern California are filling wildlife rehabilitation centers as many seabirds have been found to be sick and hungry.
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In the nearest one Post on social mediaWetlands and Wildlife Care Centers Require Currency Donate or Items on their wish list To help ensure they can continue to provide the care the animals need. International bird rescue Ask for donations Help it respond to the so-called seabird crisis.
“The pressure is high because we care for more than 52 pelicans, many of whom have not eaten alone, and there is no obvious sign that it is quick to slow down.” Say in his position.
Officials warned beach people to take extra caution when approaching any sick or dead animals, including seabirds. If you encounter one, International Bird Rescue urges people to call the organization’s bird hotline by (866) 767-2473. Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center recommends people call their local animal control office or find more information Online.
Times worker Summer Lin contributed to the report.
