Florida Wildlife Rescue Reports Surge in Sick Birds Linked to Red Tide

Photo from Seaside Seabird Sanctuary on Instagram

The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, a renowned rescue and rehabilitation facility for injured and sick birds, has reported a significant influx of Brown Pelicans exhibiting symptoms of brevetoxicosis, a condition caused by exposure to red tide toxins.

Red tide, a toxic algal bloom commonly occurring in the Gulf of Mexico, poses a serious threat to Florida's avian wildlife. According to the rescue, birds exposed to these harmful algal blooms often suffer severe neurological damage, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, and loss of motor control. In advanced cases, affected birds may lose the ability to stand, lift their heads, or blink.

“Our hospital staff has been working tirelessly around the clock to stabilize these patients and to increase their chances of recovery,” wrote Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, in part. “Many of our patients have begun to show encouraging signs of improvement, but we still have several in critical condition. Without immediate medical intervention, birds suffering from red tide intoxication in the wild will die.”

In addition to red tide cases, the sanctuary is also treating numerous juvenile pelicans with injuries related to fishing hook and line entanglements—one of the most common reasons for bird admissions at the facility year-round.

The sanctuary is appealing to the public for donations to support their efforts in treating these patients, caring for their permanent resident birds, and continuing recovery efforts from recent hurricane impacts.

“Please consider making a donation to help us care for the patients being treated in our hospital, to help us care for our permanent resident birds, and to help us continue in our hurricane recovery process. Your support goes a long to helping us save and care for our precious avian wildlife!”
​
For more information or to donate, visit Seaside Seabird Sanctuary’s website or follow them on social media @seaside4thebirds.