The nonprofit Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center announced the news on Monday, June 14. They said at least 22 of the pelicans had their wings broken so badly that bones came through the skin.
The center's director
Debbie McGuire said a total of 32 pelicans were found injured on the Orange County coast between San Clemente and Huntington Beach over the past eight months.
“These are very serious injuries that require emergency surgeries and long term care,” said Dr.
Elizabeth Wood, a veterinarian, in a statement.
The New York Times reported that of the dozens of surgeries performed on the pelicans, only 10 have been successful. Each operation costs the center at least $5,000.