MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre
1331 Williams Beach Rd, P.O. Box 415 V0R 2M0 Merville, BC, Canada

Good progress, but baby season is just around the corner. More work parties in our future! Thanks to Callum, Charley, Ed, big Rick and bigger Rick, Gord, Dean, Bryce, France, Bob, John, Bill and Warren.

Yesterday we released raccoons that were last year's late babies Photos by Kayla Williams

Construction crew volunteers getting the Fawn Barns and a new Raccoon Pen ready for baby season. Photos by Warren Warttig

https://www.facebook.com/groups/722142151587998/permalink/1122974434838099/ Happy Mothers Day to wildlife Moms

An update on our Northern Saw-whet patient: His clavicle has healed and he has been moved to a larger space to strengthen his flight! Photo by Gyl Andersen

This magnificent eagle was hit by a car on the inland highway. When she was reported lying on her back on the side of the road, we sent a rescue team immediately, hoping that she wouldn't be further injured in the 15 minutes it took us to get there. Luckily a kind citizen, Barry, scooped her off the highway and waited with her until our volunteers arrived. Once at MARS, our exam revealed no broken bones, but she clearly had a concussion and was bleeding from one ear. She coul...d barely move and we weren't sure she would survive the night, but here she is a few days later. She has improved significantly and is eating on her own! She has quite the personality and while she still has a ways to go in recovering from her concussion, we hope she will be back in the wild soon. If you can donate to help with the care of these patients, please visit our website www.marswildliferescue.com and click "News and Events" and then "Donate". Photos by Gyl Andersen

Have a great day and heed the weather warnings. It's better to be safe than sorry.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/324728042184853/permalink/386860085971648/

A video of our founder Maj, a few years ago.

Today is the last day in care for our Northern Fulmar patient! He was rescued near the little river ferry terminal, but they do not usually belong on this side of the island so he will be sent over to Tofino for release! He has done very well in care and is currently preening himself to ensure his waterproofing keeps him nice and dry in the ocean! These birds do not typically eat well in captivity and he has been tubefed a special diet of fish puree 5 times a day for the last several weeks. These birds typically eat from the surface, or make short dives underwater. Video by Kiersten Shyian

MARS is in need of some supplies! We are running low on some key items we use daily and could use some help! If you are able to donate any of the following items we would greatly appreciate it! - Latex Gloves (medium preferred) - Large Garbage Bags - Unscented Laundry Soap - Scented Laundry Soap (one or two bottles)... - Bag of potting soil - Paper towels - Freezer bags (any size) - 500ml or smaller empty yogurt/sour cream containers - Kaytee Exact Handfeeding baby bird powdered formula (Woofy’s or Bosley’s) Items can be dropped off at 1331 Williams Beach Road any day from 9-5, or we can arrange pickup in the Comox Valley area. Thank you in advance for anything you can help us with! See more

A cute photo of one of the juvenile swans being weighed. Photo credit: Jo-anne Preston

Five years ago we lost our founder, Maj Birch. She had a vision for MARS and worked tirelessly hoping to one day realize her vision. She would be so happy and proud of how far we have come to make her dream a reality. Thank you to so many who have made this possible.

A few days ago, Martina rescued this glaucous-winged gull off the highway in Campbell River. Thanks to her quick action, he escaped serious injury. He has symptoms of a concussion, but no broken bones. Our exam also revealed that the gull is emaciated, which suggests he was struggling even before he found himself in the middle of traffic. In starvation cases, it can be very tempting to offer food immediately. However, reintroducing food to a severely malnourished animal risks... causing an abrupt shift in metabolism, leading to harmful effects on the organs and even death. To prevent this refeeding syndrome, we first have to replace lost electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, and then slowly transition to solid food over several days to weeks. We monitor the patient carefully during this time to make sure their body is adjusting well. Here the caregivers are pictured tube feeding the gull a special fish puree developed by a vet nutritionist. He has been recovering well so far! Photos by Gyl Andersen

Bears are very hungry this time of year. Please make sure your garbage is secured and not accessible. This should never happen but unfortunately it does so let's do our part and not add to the problem.

UPDATE: WE HAVE TRANSPORTATION! We need help transporting the Northern Fulmar to Tofino for release. We are hoping before Friday. If anyone can help please call 250-337-2021. Thank you!