Providing life-changing care and environment for special needs avian species in Minnesota.
Kai’s story begins in an AP Biology classroom, a place parrots should never be.
Hand-fed by students and raised in a constantly changing environment, Kai spent her early years as a “classroom pet” before being moved into a home when policies changed. With people coming and going, her early life lacked the consistency parrots rely on to build safe, stable relationships, and environments like this can expose parrots to handling that is not always kind or respectful. Experiences like these can deeply impact their ability to form trust and lasting bonds.
Today, Kai is still learning what trust can look like. She can feel unsure around teenagers and some men, but with patience, respect, and the ability to move at her own pace, Kai has begun to learn that people can be kind.
And one of the most beautiful parts of Kai’s journey-
Kai can fly.
After a life that didn’t always allow for it, she’s learned to use her wings! Gaining confidence, independence, and new ways to explore her environment. Whether she’s flying, playing, or investigating the world around her, Kai approaches things with growing curiosity. You’ll often find her running along the ground, flipping her head upside down to inspect her feet, carefully watching what she’s doing down there as if it’s all brand new.
Kai’s story is one of resilience, growth, and discovery of what it means to be a bird.
If you’d like to support birds like Kai as they learn, heal, and thrive, please consider making a donation to MAARS.
www.maars.org/support-kai/
#MAARS #Parrots #Sanctuary #Cockatoos #Nonprofit
Cockatoos have one of the most advanced—and fragile—respiratory systems in the animal kingdom, so owners must understand it to keep their birds healthy. Unlike mammals, cockatoos don’t use the same pathway for inhaling and exhaling; their system supplies continuous oxygen even while exhaling.
Key parts:
• Two small, rigid lungs
• Nine air sacs throughout the body (neck, chest, abdomen, and into some bones)
• One-way airflow through the lungs—fresh air passes during both inhalation and exhalation
This efficiency allows:
• Sustained flight and high-energy activity
• Function at high altitudes
• Vocalizing while breathing
Because air moves deeply and efficiently, airborne toxins and pollutants reach the bird easily. Also, birds lack a diaphragm and rely on body movement to breathe, so respiratory illness can become serious quickly. In short: what’s in the air can be dangerous—even fatal—for cockatoos, making air quality critical for their care. Here at MAARS, we use high quality air filters to keep our flock safe. #MAARS
Here's 5 reasons why bathing is important!
1. Feather health
Bathing helps keep feathers clean, aligned, and functional for insulation and protection.
2. Skin condition
Water hydrates the skin and helps reduce dryness, flaking, and irritation.
3. Molting support
Bathing softens pin feathers and helps relieve discomfort during molt.
4. Dust and debris removal
It removes dander, food particles, and environmental buildup that can impact both feather quality and air quality.
5. Behavioral and emotional regulation
Bathing is a natural behavior. It can help parrots feel more comfortable, engaged, and able to regulate stress.
You can look also back on our page on tips and tricks to how to get your parrot to start bathing!
#MAARS #Parrots #Sanctuary #Cockatoos #Nonprofit
