Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network rescues more than 200 injured brown pelicans in two weeks

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - It’s been a whirlwind of rescues for giant seabirds in Santa Barbara.

"It’s a huge number of birds for us considering last year in 2021 we had a little over 100 coming in over the entire year. So having over 200 come in over 14 days is pretty dramatic," said executive director Ana Katovich, of SBWCN.

The emaciated and dehydrated sea birds are being treated inside the wildlife center’s new hospital including those in critical condition.

Some are suffering from wing or fishing line injuries.

"Now they’ve moved outside so it’s wonderful to see them eating their fish, preening, waterproofing and starting to fly," said Katovich.

Directors at the wildlife care center say the brown pelicans currently in their care are showing dramatic improvements. 

"They’re getting less pelicans now than they originally had. Other members of our team were here in previous weeks when a lot more were coming in. So whatever was happening it seems to be stabilizing," said field veterinarian Duane Ton of Oiled Wildlife Care Network.

The cause for their injuries or illness is still unknown.

But the wildlife team is hoping the worst is over.

So far, they say there is no evidence of disease or parasites.

"We’re hoping to get them out because they’re looking pretty good … it’s just you know they’re still trying to find out exactly what happened," said Ton.

The SBWCN team is providing them with fluids, medication, and supportive care.

Right now, the wildlife center is treating about 80 injured pelicans.