Gracie, our mascot, semi frozen but fine

January 20, 2010 by LuAnn Apple · 2 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

Gracie when first pulled out

IMG_1878

First look around

Gracie, seven hours later, color returned to normal

Gracie, seven hours later, color returned to normal

Yard Sale For M.A.R.S. Parrot Rescue on July 18

July 15, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · 1 Comment 

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!

It Must Be Springtime

June 4, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · Leave a Comment 

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

happy and safe

who is watching who?

who is watching who?

keeps her eye on everything

keeps her eye on everything

Mars Parrots in “Florida Today”

April 5, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · Leave a Comment 

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!

Bird of the week, not Lucky Baby, help M.A.R.S. give him a name

April 3, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · 6 Comments 

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.

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

March 26, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · Leave a Comment 

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

Raising Awareness for M.A.R.S.

February 8, 2009 by LuAnn Apple · Leave a Comment 

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

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

[caption id="attachment_608" align="alignright" width="281" caption="M.A.R.S. founder LuAnn Apple with two of her rescue birds"]M.A.R.S. founder LuAnn Apple with her rescue bird Parker[/caption]
M.A.R.S. volunteer and Linda Pepin

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

[caption id="attachment_626" align="alignright" width="281" caption="M.A.R.S. volunteers Kim and Aly Donovan"]M.A.R.S. volunteers Kim and Aly Donovan[/caption]
LuAnn Apple and Linda Pepin

LuAnn Apple and Linda Pepin

[caption id="attachment_634" align="alignright" width="281" caption="M.A.R.S. resident Kiefer with a buddy"]M.A.R.S. resident Kiefer enjoying the view[/caption]
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!