Support Winston

Winston joined the MAARS flock in 2019 after spending a decade locked in a cage because he was “unpredictable” and “aggressive” to humans. Early on, it was clear to us he was acting out to protect his delicate little heart from further suffering at human hands. He built an impenetrable wall to shield his psyche from more pain. With patience and understanding, we’re delicately chipping away at the wall, piece by piece, enabling him to be happy again, transforming his tragedy into unbridled joy.

Winston is particularly sensitive and vulnerable, though it’s hard to see at a quick glance through his impenetrable shell. To some, he may simply appear resigned and quiet. He often refuses to engage in favorite activities, suspicious there’s a “catch” involved – are we going to break his heart too? So many humans have broken his little heart in his short life, he is reluctant to open up. For those of us he feels “safe” with he’s genuinely a delight to be around – happy and playful, with a mischievous sense of humor.

How many of us humans can relate? All of us? The Landing, the MAARS sanctuary, is aptly named as it is a “safe place” for birds to thrive. Birds like Winston come in broken by their experiences, and when given enough time and gentle encouragement, they FLOURISH. MAARS exists to help birds like Winston metamorphose into the boisterous and ecstatic wild creatures they truly are.