HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Hundreds of brown pelicans have been found hypothermic, dehydrated, anemic and sick in Southern California and in different parts of the state.

They’re being cared for at various nonprofit centers, including the Wetland and Wildlife Care Center in Huntington Beach.

Executive Director Debbie McGuire said it costs about $45 per day to care for the birds, including the cost of food and medicine.

Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Wood said about two-thirds of the 100-plus ill birds that have come to the center in about two weeks have died.

She said some are too far gone to be saved. International Bird Rescue’s Wildlife Center Manager Kylie Clatterbuck said between its San Pedro and San Francisco locations they have also seen about 100 sick birds with similar symptoms in the past two weeks or so.  

Both organizations are nonprofits and are seeking donations to help care for the influx of sick birds.

To donate to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, visit its website and to donate to the International Bird Rescue, visit here.

State biologists concluded a similar mass stranding of pelicans in 2022 was caused by starvation.