Welcome to MAARS!

 
 
 
 

Together we can elevate avian care!

Providing life-changing care and environment for special needs avian species in Minnesota. 


Our History

Since  the founding of MAARS in July 1999, almost 1500 unwanted  parrots have  come through our doors. More than 1400 birds have been successfully placed into permanent homes. We’ve consistently grown since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community!

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Our Team

Our amazing team of regulars and part-time volunteers are committed to helping all captive parrots. We take our convictions and turn them into action. Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!

 

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Our Mission

MAARS’ core function is to care for our flock at our facility, The Landing. Our primary mission is to educate the public, people who already live with parrots, and the veterinary community about the issues that face captive parrots. 

 

Help Us

Check out our unique gifts featuring the MAARS flock

All proceeds from purchases go directly to help support the MAARS birds - it's a win/win!

Painting Cards

Original Paintings

2026 Flock Calendar

Lucky

Prints

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Facebook Posts

Parrots have lived alongside humans for centuries, but their biology, instincts, and needs have never changed. They are still wild animals. Understanding that is the first step to better care, better expectations, and better outcomes.

Go watch Part 1! We talked about what domestication really means and why parrots haven’t gone through that process.

Follow along and come back to learn more. #MAARS #Parrots #Sanctuary #Cockatoos #Nonprofit

Selected References
* Athan, M., & Deter, D. (2015). The Parrot Who Owns Me.
* AVMA. (2020). Welfare Implications of Non-Domestic Species as Pets.
* Baratay, É., & Hardouin-Fugier, E. (2002). Zoo: A History of Zoological Gardens in the West.
* Bradshaw, G. (2014). Carnivore Minds (comparative captivity impacts).
* Engebretson, M. (2006). The welfare and suitability of parrots as companion animals. Animal Welfare, 15, 263–276.
* Larson, G., & Fuller, D. (2014). The evolution of animal domestication. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics.
* Mason, G., & Rushen, J. (2006). Stereotypic Animal Behaviour.
* Meehan, C., Millam, J., & Mench, J. (2003). Foraging opportunity and parrot welfare. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
* Price, E. O. (1984; 2002). Behavioral aspects of animal domestication.
* Trut, L., Oskina, I., & Kharlamova, A. (2009). Animal domestication and stress biology.
* van Zeeland, Y. et al. (2009). Feather damaging behaviour in parrots.
* Zeder, M. (2012). The domestication of animals. Journal of Anthropological Research.
... See MoreSee Less

14 hours ago

This week, we’re breaking down: Domesticated vs. Wild Animals—Captivity, Suitability as Pets, and What This Means for Parrots. If you’ve ever wondered why parrots struggle in human environments, this is for you!

Follow along, and come back each day to learn more.

#MAARS #Parrots #Sanctuary #Cockatoos #Nonprofit

Selected References
* Athan, M., & Deter, D. (2015). The Parrot Who Owns Me.
* AVMA. (2020). Welfare Implications of Non-Domestic Species as Pets.
* Baratay, É., & Hardouin-Fugier, E. (2002). Zoo: A History of Zoological Gardens in the West.
* Bradshaw, G. (2014). Carnivore Minds (comparative captivity impacts).
* Engebretson, M. (2006). The welfare and suitability of parrots as companion animals. Animal Welfare, 15, 263–276.
* Larson, G., & Fuller, D. (2014). The evolution of animal domestication. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics.
* Mason, G., & Rushen, J. (2006). Stereotypic Animal Behaviour.
* Meehan, C., Millam, J., & Mench, J. (2003). Foraging opportunity and parrot welfare. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
* Price, E. O. (1984; 2002). Behavioral aspects of animal domestication.
* Trut, L., Oskina, I., & Kharlamova, A. (2009). Animal domestication and stress biology.
* van Zeeland, Y. et al. (2009). Feather damaging behaviour in parrots.
* Zeder, M. (2012). The domestication of animals. Journal of Anthropological Research.
... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
Today at MAARS: Kai,

Today at MAARS: Kai, our featured bird of the month, poses next to a non-permanent tattoo of herself that one of our volunteers designed in their media arts class. ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
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Stay in Touch

Learn more about our upcoming events, fundraisers, and more!