Food Glorious Food, please help us to buy some
February 18, 2010 by LuAnn Apple · View Comments
A truck load of food
Every six weeks M.A.R.S. makes a run to C&J Feed for the assorted bags of food necessary to keep all our feathered friends happy and healthy. Products with the names Lafeber, Higgins, Roudybush, Kaytee, Hampton Farms peanuts and Mazuri are loaded into our truck (no delivery charge that way). The total of these products is a whopping $606.00, and yes, that is after our discount is applied.
The above does not include all the other necessary items such as fresh fruit and vegies, additional protein such as chicken legs or and occasional steak, (Clyde’s) favorite, I will explain that in a later story. Also not included are special treats such as banana, cornbread and fresh ground peanut butter all available from Publix Supermarket which is totally safe.
With all that said, a picture is worth a thousand words. Please donate to our cause and help feed our hungry critters by paying for the above necessary items. If you can, also consider sponsoring a M.A.R.S. parrot or becoming a member of Melbourne Aviary Rescue Sanctuary by visiting our forms page.
It is our sincerest hope that you will help us maintain and achieve our goals entering into our third year of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding forever homes through adoption.
What a successful adoption day
February 14, 2010 by LuAnn Apple · View Comments
Captain Daniel Red and Lu with Captain Morgan and Cisco
We had a really great Animal Adoption day here in Melbourne. Thanks to Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital, South Brevard Animal Care and Animal Guardians. The event scored high in attendence, Dennis and Mary Peer of Animal Guardians were amazing in bringing Channel 13 to the event.
Press coverage is essential. The numbers prove once again that people will come out and support a good cause. Adopting a shelter pet.
New homes were found for 11 cats and 3 dogs. No birds, but lots of inquiries. Great fun was had by all who attended.
Refreshments were an amazing array of sweets and treats including pizza and sparkling cider. Cudos to Linda Pepin of Aloha for those.
As mentioned, a pirate or two came, along with M.A.R.S. favorite new adoptive parents Chris and Lorry Burger who were an amazing addition to the event. They are now fostering our feathered member Riley, she is a very lucky bird indeed. Future events are planned and we all hope they are equally as successful.
For those who missed this great event, you can still adopt a bird through the M.A.R.S. website. Please check out our “Parrots for Adoption” page and browse through the wide selection of available birds.
In addition, please also consider to make a donation to M.A.R.S. to support our cause. Check out the various memberships on the membership page. You can pay online (it’s fast and easy), and after a couple of clicks you’re already part of our family!
If you have any questions about bird adoption or our sanctuary, please contact me directly! I am happy to answer all your questions.
Gracie, our mascot, semi frozen but fine
January 20, 2010 by LuAnn Apple · View Comments
Thinking about a Florida parrot rescue like M.A.R.S., iguanas might not be what comes to mind. Exotic bird rescue consists of many facets such as adoptions, rehabilitation, boarding, and daily bird care by great volunteers, and always, praying for donations. These are the things you would expect.
Well, with the recent cold, we experienced another dilemma added to our list of ever evolving tasks. How to extract our mascot Gracie from way under a wood deck and how to thaw her out once we achieved this.
With this said, take a look at the photos, and know that it took three days for her to be back to her old self. How we did everything is another story, for another time.
Gracie when first pulled out
First look around
Gracie, seven hours later, color returned to normal
It Must Be Springtime
June 4, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · View Comments
Occasionally,some outsiders also find M.A.R.S. a safe haven. Look closely and you will see what I mean. The baby ringneck doves, and the baby screech owl, happy and healthy. Their parents chose great nest spots for them. And let’s not forget our resident iguana Gracie.
happy and safe
who is watching who?
keeps her eye on everything
M.A.R.S. Parrot Rescue Welcomes Pineapple Cove Academy
May 6, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · View Comments
The Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary was asked to host a series of three field trips from Pineapple Cove Academy. We decided to roll it into two groups consisting of 20 for the first visit followed by the second group of 40 children.
The purpose of this visit was to of course have fun, but also to teach the children about caring for different parrots that come to our rescue, what can make them happy, and how their behaviors can be so very different within the same species.
It was a very hands on experience for the groups, as each one was given the opportunity to hold and pet the parrots. For added measure we also introduced Gracie our resident iguana, which the children also held and pet. We at M.A.R.S. send out a big thank-you to Pineapple Cove, the staff who accompanied the groups, and to the children who were wonderful visitors.
Mars Parrots in “Florida Today”
April 5, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · View Comments
Story about the Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary in "Florida Today"
We’re proud to announce that we made headlines today! The newspaper “Florida Today”, with a respectable circulation of 92,285 for its Sunday edition, dedicated a story to the Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary. The article titled “Parrot rescue gives birds a second chance” is featured in “Life” section on the paper.
And we’re thrilled to say that “Florida Today” reporter Chris Kidler also did a video interview with me, which is even featured on the homepage of FloridaToday.com (as of today). Talk about making the news! Here’s the screenshot of the video teaser:
The funny thing is I didn’t even realize the video would be seen by anybody much less available on the website of Florida Today! Wish I would have had some time to put some lip gloss on! 
But this is certainly a terrific great opportunity to spread the word and the needs of M.A.R.S.!
In the video, I talk about how our ultimate goal is to make these birds ready for adoption, and to find a good home for them which gives them a little sunshine and a little love. Here’s the full video, it’s about two minutes long:
As the article mentions, our Florida parrot rescue organization entirely depends on financial contributions. We’re also looking for donations for our yard sales and thrift shop. Please contact us if you have something to donate.
M.A.R.S. is also in need of carpenters to help with repairs, the roof, the driveway and building aviaries. Get in touch with us if you can help us (or know somebody who has the expertise)!
Thanks to “Florida Today” for the great coverage!
When the temperatures drop….
January 30, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · View Comments
I can’t tell you how happy I am that the warm weather has returned! Last week when the evening temps dropped into the low 30’s we really had our work cut out for us. Birds can stand temps around 40 degrees for one night but more than that and you better bring them in – especially any featherless birds! With this ongoing cold snap, suddenly all 29 of our outdoor birds have to become indoor birds and quick!
This is when I am soooo thankful for the M.A.R.S. volunteers. Couldn’t do it without them!
The laughter and good music that accompanies this crazy task really helps to keep the birds happy. Don’t forget the birds do best if grouped together with who they get along with. It’s like the seating arrangement at a wedding or a politician’s dinner!!!
This happens every night until the temperature reaches at least 40 degrees again. Then, and only then is it safe for the birds to be back outside. Keep your birds safe and warm! Don’t let them get too cold and pay attention to your weather report!
