2024 Update and Holiday Greeting
Dear Friends,
Happy Holidays on behalf of the flock, volunteers, and leadership here at MAARS!
This holiday season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, or provided much-needed supplies for the flock, you make everything we do possible. You are truly the heart of our mission, and we couldn’t be more thankful for each and every one of you.
The Challenges of 2024
2024 brought its share of challenges to the rescue world at large. According to DVM360, shelters have faced their fourth consecutive year of overcrowding, creating both significant financial and emotional strain to rescues across the country. A survey earlier this year by Vegan FTA found that over 90% of sanctuaries surveyed reported a significant drop in donations alongside a dramatic surge in expenses, with one in three experiencing a 25% dip in donations. Many organizations reported that operating expenses have doubled. A similar number of surveyed sanctuaries stated they are “very concerned” about their survival.
One sanctuary director described this crisis as: “It’s not just a financial struggle; it’s a fight for compassion.”
Our volunteers and donors play a crucial role, by making it possible to provide the exceptional care these birds truly deserve. Your support ensures that every member of our flock receives the individualized attention, nurturing care, and enrichment they require. As a nonprofit organization with no paid staff, every dollar you give goes directly to supporting the flock. Whether through a one-time or recurring donation, your contributions make a real difference, and we are deeply grateful for your continued generosity.
Kai, Goffin’s Cockatoo, looking at her photo in the calendar
Our Vision: Looking Ahead
In 2019, we began a mission to relocate our flock to a larger, more accommodating facility. While the pandemic slowed our progress, it has not deterred our commitment. Our goal remains to secure a new space that offers increased flight areas, better enrichment opportunities, and infrastructure tailored to the unique needs of a parrot sanctuary.
In the meantime, we continue to improve our current facility. Recent upgrades include:
- Securing a grant this year to install new, energy-efficient loading bay doors that enhance security for the flock.
- Replacing the aging boiler.
- Refurbishing skylights and replacing windows throughout the building.
- Converting 2 large rooms to open-flight spaces
Nebula & Drax, Ringneck Parakeets,
keeping a watchful eye
These improvements not only make the sanctuary a better home for the birds but also help to reduce energy consumption/costs while increasing the facility’s marketability for our eventual relocation.
Welcome to the Flock
We welcomed some new faces this year, and we’d like to take the time to share their stories:
Puppy
Puppy joined us from another rescue. She is approximately 29 years old and has been through numerous homes. She has a history of both physical and severe trauma/emotional abuse. Puppy also has severe health challenges, including osteoarthritis, heart disease, and GI issues that have yet to be resolved.
Her prior rescue made great strides in healing both her emotional wounds and helping her become healthier and stronger, and we are committed to continuing their incredible work to help her heal.
Puppy, Moluccan Cockatoo
Hailey, Umbrella Cockatoo
Hailey
At approximately 50 years old, Hailey is believed to be wild-caught and has been through an untold number of homes before arriving at MAARS from the same rescue as Puppy.
She has a big personality and has blended into the flock wonderfully. She has quite the singing voice, as most cockatoos do, and loves joining into the noise in our big bird room.
Upcoming Projects for 2025
In the coming year, we will be focusing on two key projects aimed at improving our current facility and the environment for our parrots:
Replacing the Upper-Level Roof
Our upper-level roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Replacing it will improve energy efficiency and enhance the building’s value for our relocation plans.
Revamping Flight Areas
We’ll be expanding and improving the birds’ flight areas to support their physical and mental health. These upgrades will allow the flock to move more freely, exercise, and engage in natural behaviors, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Bubbles, Jenday Conure & Pippin,
Orange-Winged Amazon, visiting
Spring Auction
We’re also happy to announce that our next online auction to benefit the MAARS flock is coming in the spring! Our past auctions have been a tremendous success. We’re excited to bring you another opportunity to bid on unique items while supporting the MAARS flock. If you’d like to learn more or contribute to the auction, please reach out to us at donations@maars.org. Stay tuned for updates!
Auction coming in the spring!
A Shared Mission
As we step into the new year, we are filled with hope and excitement for the opportunities ahead. While challenges are a part of the journey, our commitment to improving the lives of parrots, both in the wild and in captivity, remains stronger than ever. We are dedicated to spreading the message that these incredible creatures belong in their natural habitats, where they can truly thrive.
To learn more about how you can help make a difference, visit www.maars.org. There, you’ll find information about our flock, the services we provide, and how your contributions help to create a brighter future for these amazing parrots.
Prince Charming, Blue-Fronted Amazon,
looking princely
As the year draws to a close, we celebrate the lasting difference you have helped to make for parrots everywhere.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and gratitude.
Galiena Cimperman
Executive Director
MAARS
How You Can Help
Your continued support is vital to the success of our sanctuary.
Here are a few ways you can help us both in this
holiday season and throughout the year:
Donate
Your financial support helps cover the costs of habitat maintenance, care, and educational programs. You can donate here.
Donate Land
Consider making a lasting impact by gifting land. For land donations, please reach out to us at birds@maars.org.
Volunteer
Give the gift of your time by volunteering with us. Your dedication is truly invaluable. Learn more about volunteering here.
Spread the Word
Share our mission and success stories with friends and family. Help us expand our circle of support. If you’d like to follow us on Facebook, you can find us here.
Foster or Adopt
If you have the capacity, there’s a significant need for foster homes for parrots, both large and small, here in Minnesota. If you’d like more information, please get in touch with The Parrot’s Umbrella.
Your involvement in any of these ways contributes immensely to the
well-being of our sanctuary and its residents.
Unique Holiday Gifts
You can also support MAARS by purchasing unique holiday gifts from the flock, including the 2025 Flock calendar, original paintings, new prints, and a selection of greeting cards. 100% of the profits from the sales of items purchased through MAARS go directly to providing care for the MAARS flock.
You can also assist MAARS’ mission by choosing MAARS as your designated charity through your sales on eBay for Charity, shopping through iGive, GoodShop, or providing food for the flock at Nuts.com.
The Canary-Winged Parakeets, having a flock meeting
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