$100,000 boost for bird rehabilitation in Southern California

Community News

Los Angeles, California, Foundation   
Common Merganser chick
  • Marathon Petroleum Corporation recently donated $100,000 to the International Bird Rescue in California to support its bird rehabilitation programs.
  • The donation will enhance its capacity to rescue and rehabilitate birds in need.
  • The funds will also advance IBR’s environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) recently reinforced its support for the International Bird Rescue (IBR) with a $100,000 donation at an event highlighting IBR’s essential work in rehabilitating birds, including the brown pelican.

Guests at the Los Angeles-area center had the opportunity to explore interactive education stations, view birds currently in IBR’s care, and learn about bird rehabilitation and conservation.

(L to R) Alex Domeyko, Director of Development & Partnerships at IBR, and Tim Hayes, LA Basin Region Manager at MPL, who presented the $100,000 donation at the event on behalf of MPC.

Tim Hayes, LA Basin Region Manager for Marathon Pipe Line Operations, presented the check on behalf of Marathon Petroleum and its operations at the Port of Long Beach, emphasizing the company’s commitment to environmental and community initiatives.

“We’re deeply grateful for Marathon Petroleum’s generous donation, which enhances our bird rehab efforts.” 

“This contribution reflects our values of safety and environmental stewardship,” said Hayes, who is also a board member of IBR. “Marathon Petroleum has long supported IBR’s mission to rescue, rehab, and release wildlife. We look forward to seeing how you’ll continue to positively impact our shared SoCal environment for the benefit of our feathered neighbors and the community overall.”

Event attendees explore IBR’s Los Angeles Center, which is home to numerous brown pelicans.

IBR’s CEO, JD Bergeron, expressed appreciation for the support.

“We’re deeply grateful for Marathon Petroleum’s generous donation, which enhances our bird rehab efforts, and for their many years of partnership,” said Bergeron. “Your continued support and dedication to our mission and overall environmental stewardship are making a real difference.”

(L to R) Alex Chavez, Volunteer; Noe Cordova, LA Basin Line Rider at MPL; Olga Chavez, Advanced Senior CSR & Community Relations Representative at MPC; Julie Skoglund, Director of Operations & Regional Representative at IBR; Tim Hayes, LA Basin Region Manager at MPL; Kendra Leggette, LA Basin Senior Administrative Assistant at MPL.

In addition to this recent grant, MPC sponsors IBR’s live BirdCams at its Los Angeles and San Francisco centers, which allow people to connect with avian rehabilitation in real-time. MPC also recently installed trash skimmers at the Port of Long Beach. These skimmers help reduce debris in the port by collecting trash from the water’s surface, benefiting the diverse array of aquatic birds in the area.