Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services (MAARS)

Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services, Inc. (MAARS) promotes the welfare and protection of captive parrots and other wild birds through sanctuary, rehabilitation, and advocacy. Based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MAARS was founded in July 1999 to assist displaced captive birds by providing shelter, veterinary medical care, behavioral rehabilitation, education and placement. As a pioneer and leader in its field, MAARS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the busiest parrot welfare organization in the country. Since opening its doors, MAARS has improved the lives of countless captive birds because of its professional, internationally recognized public education, outreach, and advocacy programs.

1. Wild birds belong in the wild!

2. Captive breeding of undomesticated birds for the pet trade endangers wild bird populations -- it does not promote conservation of any species.

3. Captivity = stress. Chronic or acute stress = trauma. The captivity of wildlife -- under any circumstances = institutionalized tauma.