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- mars
- It's not about me, it's about us, the BIRDS, the volunteers, interns, our sponsors, their committment to wildlife. I's about habitat protection, education and wildlife rescue and events that help to fund our programs.
MARS GIVES ORPHANED FAWNS A SECOND CHANCE
ReplyDeleteThis summer, Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) in Merville reached out to the community to aid in the care of five orphaned fawns. The need for fresh goat milk, the closest available substitute for that of their mothers, was ongoing. Also constant was the need for attention from volunteers and interns in response to the fawns’ squeals of hunger. The response from the community was overwhelming and it is with the support of many generous donors that rehabilitation work with the fawns was possible. The fawns are now enjoying a larger enclosure in the company of several other fawns at another facility and are healthy, happy and currently being weaned. A portion of the donations have been passed on for their ongoing care and MARS will continue to supply them with browse.
While receiving fewer baby mammals and birds at this time of year, work at MARS never ends as volunteers, rehabilitators and interns continue to receive and care for injured and orphaned native wildlife. Following up on the progress made by the orphan fawns has been an inspiring and educational experience for current interns and recent B.Sc. graduates, Michelle Thomas, from Ontario, and Rachel Fovargue, from Virginia. “The fawns are excellent examples of how wildlife rehabilitators can, with the help of public support, renew animals’ health and wellness and help them to remain wild,” says Michelle. Getting patients back into the wild is important and a key aspect of that is making sure wildlife is not brought in unnecessarily. MARS recommends that a ‘watch and wait’ period is taken when observing baby animals, to ensure that they need care. Any persons encountering an injured or orphaned deer should contact their local conservation officer (via the Report All Poachers and Polluters line: 1-877-952-7277) instead of attempting to handle the animal themselves.
MARS cordially invites the public to attend their annual Harvest Banquet gala fundraiser on September 26, which will feature a feast of locally grown food and beverage as well as silent and live auctions. Tickets are now on sale for $50 or $375 for a table of eight with proceeds going to support the operational costs of MARS. If you would like to contribute financially, charitable tax receipts are available upon request. Unfortunately, as a wildlife rehabilitation center; public access cannot be granted to the facility. The best way to help recovering wildlife is either through volunteering or through monetary aid. MARS is a non-profit organization that depends on the public’s generosity to continue functioning. Visa, Mastercard, cheques or cash are gratefully accepted. Please specify ‘fawn fund’ on any cheques, and address envelopes to:
Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society
6817 Headquarters Road
Courtenay BC, V9J 1N2