1:35pm | The International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) in San Pedro has been responding to an unprecedented number—over 350 in the past few weeks—of cold, wet and starving California brown pelicans rescued from the Central and Southern California coastlines. Because of the overwhelming influx of birds, four wildlife rescue centers in California have written to State and Federal authorities for urgent action and support.
“IBRRC has a small paid staff and dedicated volunteers,” said Board member and volunteer Dave Weeshoff. “On average, they care for 40 birds per day, but with the current crisis of the brown pelican, they have 170 pelicans alone. They are faced daily with the difficult decision of closing their doors to more birds due to maximum capacity. Luckily, they have not yet had to turn any birds away, but if things do not improve, this is a possibility.” Weeshoff said that IBRRC had to contact alumni staff to help during this crisis.
The cause of the illness is not yet known. This is reminiscent of the mystery illness that the center dealt with over a year ago and that has since passed, although not with any satisfactory conclusion as to its cause. IBRRC is working closely with the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, which is conducting necroscopies on the dead pelicans.
In the meantime, anyone finding a sick pelican in Long Beach should call Animal Care Services at (562) 570-7387. ACS will transport the bird to IBRRC. Food and medication for so many sick birds is costly, and the center desperately needs help in funding with this crisis. Please visit ibrrc.org for information on how you can help with a donation, volunteering or both.
Pet Projects
Feb. 17, Coffee with the Commander
Animal Care Services (ACS) director John Keisler will be the featured speaker at this month’s Coffee with the Commander. Keisler will describe services that ACS provides as well as the responsibilities that Long Beach-area pet owners have to make ACS efforts succeed. Meet up Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at Grounds Bakery Café, 6277 E. Spring St. Call the East Division at (562) 570-5880 for information.
Feb. 20, “Love Your Pet Day”
For your pet, Valentine’s Day isn’t just February 14! Come to Chewsy Dog from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. for a fun-filled opportunity to show your pooch some love. Activities include furr-tography, portrait painting, free treats sponsored by California K9 Kitchen and $20 anesthesia-free dog dental cleaning. Proceeds of the event will be donated to Friends of Long Beach Animals and Fuzzy Rescue. Fuzzy Rescue will be on site with their “Very Important Pets” who are in need of a good home. Please call in advance for dental or furr-tography appointments. 4107 Viking Way, Long Beach, (562) 354-6040. Click here for more information.
Feb. 21, Help Save the Chi-Chis!
This fund-raiser to benefit small dogs in need of adoption includes a Chihuahua fashion show and features Long Beach comedian Lynda Montgomery. The fun event takes place from 5–8 p.m. at The Gaslamp Restaurant & Bar, 6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy. in Long Beach, California 90803. Cost is $10.00. For information, call (562) 596-4718. Click here for more information.
Feb. 28, Beautiful Bulldog Contest
Oh, you beautiful dog, you great big beautiful, slobbering snuffly sweetheart! More than 300 of these popular pets will wobble down the red carpet to compete at Haute Dogs’ main event and fund-raiser for the nonprofit Community Action Team. The contest, produced by beauty pageant and bulldog lover Justin Rudd, also includes a competition for pugs and all breeds of senior dogs (more than 10 years old). The event takes place at the Marketplace Long Beach at the corner of 2nd Street and the PCH. Click here for rules and information. Spectators are welcome, of course!