Mars Parrots in “Florida Today”

Story about the Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary in "Florida Today"

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:

mars-florida-today-homepage 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!

April yard sale, Sat. the 18th HAVING FUN and RAISING FUNDS for M.A.R.S. parrots

Shop the fun accessories section

Shop the fun accessories section

Shop created for the parrots of M.A.R.S.
Shop created for the parrots of M.A.R.S.

This time around our sale takes on an inside outside mix of good things that are available for purchase. We are creating a place for all our donated items. A permanent  shop located in our building, to allow us to  raise funds that are so desperately needed on a continuing basis. So please come out and support the parrots of  M.A.R.S. and have fun with us. Please feel free to  help us by donating any items at any time. Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary is located at 418 Ocean Ave. in Melbourne Beach

Up coming events “Founders Day” in Melbourne Beach

http://www.melbournebeachfl.org/Pages/index

Once again the town of Melbourne Beach celebrates it’s history. The event will be held on Saturday  May 2, 2009. This marks 126 years since the town was established. The fun will begin early and last well into the evening. Please check out the website of the town of  Melbourne Beach  for more information on all activities.

The Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary will be joining in the celebration with a set-up at Ryckman Park. We will be promoting our membership drive, displaying art work by our volunteers, and of course some of our feathered  members of M.A.R.S. will be in attendance. Please  join us in support for M.A.R.S. and enjoy the event.

Raising Awareness for M.A.R.S.

The M.A.R.S. booth at the Aloha hospital in Melbourne

The M.A.R.S. booth at the Aloha hospital in Melbourne

M.A.R.S. founder LuAnn Apple with her rescue bird Parker

M.A.R.S. founder LuAnn Apple with two of her rescue birds

M.A.R.S. volunteer and Linda Pepin

M.A.R.S. volunteer Kim and Linda Pepin

M.A.R.S. volunteers Kim and Aly Donovan

M.A.R.S. volunteers Kim and Aly Donovan

LuAnn Apple and Linda Pepin

LuAnn Apple and Linda Pepin

M.A.R.S. resident Kiefer enjoying the view

M.A.R.S. resident Kiefer with a buddy


Yesterday was a perfect day for joining with Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital in Indian Harbour Beach and introducing M.A.R.S. members to the public and the staff of Aloha.

Joining us was our volunteer helpers Kim and Aly Donovan. Kim was inspired to call members of her class to come see us and support the birds.

Linda Pepin (pictured above), is an amazing person and friend to M.A.R.S. Her time shared with our feathered members is invaluable. Her husband Dr. Jose Pepin is a co-founder of the Aloha Pet & Bird Hospital and one of the veterinarians at the clinic.

Thanks to all who came to see us!

8 Great Factoids About Parrots

African Grey Parrot

African Grey Parrot

If you’re a Parrot lover then here’s a few things you will love to know! BTW, check out one of my favorite information websites Wikipedia.org for more Fun Factoids!

  1. Did you know there are roughly 372 species of parrots?
  2. The greatest diversity of parrots if sound in South America and Australiasia
  3. With few exceptions, Parrots are monogamous which nest in cavaties and hold no territories other than their nesting sight.
  4. While parrots have the distinction of being able to mimic human speech, studies with the African Grey Parrot have shown that some are able to associate words with their meanings and form simple sentences
  5. Not only have parrots demonstrated intelligence through scientific testing of their language using ability, but some species of parrot such as the Kea are also highly skilled at using tools and solving puzzles
  6. Parrots do not have vocal cords, so sound is accomplished by expelling air across the mouth of the bifurcated trachea. Different sounds are produced by changing the depth and shape of trachea. So, talking parrots are really whistling in different variations.
  7. Sayings about parrots colour the modern English language. The verb “parroting” can be found in the dictionary, and means “to repeat by rote.” There are also clichés, such as the British saying “sick as a parrot.”
  8. Parrots are used as symbols of nations and nationalism. A parrot is found on the flag of Dominica. The St. Vincent parrot is the national bird of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a Caribbean nation.

Got a another great parrot factoid you’d like us to know? Send us your suggestions via our contact form, we’d love to know and share!