Overview
- International Bird Rescue’s San Pedro center has received 96 to 97 oiled seabirds since Monday, almost all Western Grebes from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, with one found in Malibu.
- An approximately one-square-mile slick was observed offshore, and the U.S. Coast Guard, BSEE, and California Fish and Wildlife’s spill office are investigating with lab confirmation pending.
- Early findings indicate a natural seafloor seep as the likely source, a scenario that does not trigger state or federal cleanup funds for wildlife care.
- Staff stabilize birds before washing with warm water and Dawn dish soap, then dry, waterproof and provide warm-water therapy, with some birds also treated for foot lacerations.
- Rescuers warn more grebes may strand due to group rafting behavior and urge reports to lifeguards, animal control, or 866‑SOS‑BIRD, noting costs could reach about $200,000 and public donations are needed.