Well it’s not that easy being a bird when the choices are so many here at M.A.R.S..
Should it be a cozy sleepy pouch, a warm quilted blanket, or should I wait for a new box?
Oh well, you help me decide, 
in the meantime I will try them out
. Perhaps I should hold out for the new box after all
Cuddles a moluccan cockatoo once had a very large cage to sleep in at nighttime.
One day, while all were outside at play, and the volunteers were going about the daily routine, he went inside on his own, and looked around the room and chose a new one.
To our suprise when we began putting away all the M.A.R.S. avian members for the day, we could not locate him. Of course we all got a bit worried. However, we soon heard very happy sounds coming from one of the cages.
Lo and behold there he was in a box, in a cage, of his own choosing. Sometimes you have to admit cozy is good.
Though it may be quite a mess for the caretakers and volunteers, happiness rules
. YES, IT SIMPLY TAKES A BOX A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From the Miami auction we bid on and brought home 12 exotic birds. Number thirteen, was a bonus bird, as the owners asked if we would be interested in giving him a new home at M.A.R.S. parrot rescue.
We have huge hearts here at Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary and fortunately an amazing association with Aloha Animal and bird Hospital in Eau Gallie. Our bonus bird a Buffon Macaw was in need of such specialized care.
He weighed in at 2.5 lbs, where most Macaws average 4.5 up. He is beautiful, and sweet, and we are all hoping for the best outcome possible.
Stay with us by signing up for our RSS feed from our web site www.marsparrots.org and we will keep you posted on the progress of our new arrival.
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
Please join in fun and come to our yard sale this upcoming Saturday, July 18 (location info here)! All proceeds go directly to our parrots rescue sanctuary.
Additionally, any helping hand would be greatly appreciated for this event. Please contact M.A.R.S. executive director Lu Apple if you interested in spending some time for a good cause.
If you can’t make it to your yard sale, support our efforts for rescue birds by making making a donation online. It’s fast and easy (and a good tax write-off)!
Thanks!
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
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!
This is one of two new members of the Melbourne Avian Rescue Sanctuary, he certainly gives our recently adopted Quaker Lucky Baby a run in the cuteness department.
Help the Florida parrot rescue organization M.A.R.S. give him a name, let us here from you in the comments below. We will post the results in our blog.
Remember all parrots need a good bath or spray on a regular basis – and help to improve their lives by making a donation. Their appreciation will be very obvious.
P.S. Big thanks to Rene for the amazing art work (pictured above). It made the sign pop.
Shop the fun accessories section
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
The M.A.R.S. booth at the Aloha hospital in Melbourne
M.A.R.S. founder LuAnn Apple with two of her rescue birds
M.A.R.S. volunteer Kim and Linda Pepin
M.A.R.S. volunteers Kim and Aly Donovan
LuAnn Apple and Linda Pepin
M.A.R.S. resident Kiefer with a buddy
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!
Would you like to know more about the inhabitants of M.A.R.S.? Straight from the bird's beaks, hear the stories of Paco, Woodie, Lulu, Mango and others - told in their own words. 
Fund our feathered friends! M.A.R.S. relies on your contributions to bring happiness and well-being to these birds. It's easy - make a donation today! You'll be surprised what you'll get in return.
M.A.R.S. couldn't survive without all the neighborhood kids who help feed, bathe and entertain all our beautiful birds on a daily basis! See how they turn their experiences into all kinds of art. 
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