My Nonprofit Reviews

I have been a volunteer for MAARS for over 10 years and in that time I have watched remarkable transformations in the behavior, adjustment and general comfort and security of the nearly 100 birds who now call this sanctuary home. Many parrots arrive with severe behavior issues, aggression and fear, often from prior neglect, abuse and abandonment. This amazing and knowledgeable staff is so sensitive to the needs of each of these birds, tailoring behavior modification programs, diet and nutrition and social interaction to improve avian health, wellbeing and interaction with humans and other birds. The care and attention they receive is specific to the needs of each bird, consistent, and always designed for the good of the bird. The changes in these distressed birds over years of ministrations, consideration and support have been astounding, both in the way they conduct themselves with others and in their general security and peace of mind. The staff performs this care from volunteer and community donations and works miracles on a tiny budget. Volunteers bring supplies, homemade toys and food to augment. MAARS is an extremely well-managed organization, with thanks to the experience of their dedicated senior staff and a few miracles thrown in for good measure. One of the intents of the organization is to also educate people about owning birds--that they do not make good pets and that keeping free animals in captivity exacerbates the problems that sanctuaries see when owners decide to abandon their birds because they did not behave as imagined. This education is a very important part of saving wildlife as the world moves forward.