MARS Wildlife Rescue

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MARS Wildlife Rescue FOR ALL WILDLIFE RESCUES OR EMERGENCIES 250-337-2021 ext 2. Please visit our website to see our Hospital/drop-off and Visitor Centre opening hours.
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NEVER use FACEBOOK or EMAIL to report sick or injured wildlife as your message may not be seen right away. Wildlife Rescue Recovery Rehabilitation & Release in the Comox Valley. For all rescues or wildlife emergencies please call 250-337-2021. NEVER use Facebook or email to report sick or injured wildlife

10/16/2026

Eagle release!

Some of the Bald Eagle chicks we admitted several months ago have grown to independence and were cleared for release. Their flight was strong and agile, waterproofing flawless, and behaviour was just what we hoped it would be (WILD) so they were sent on their way. We released these first-year juveniles where food was plentiful and adult eagles were foraging to help encourage those hunting skills.

We were lucky enough to be able to get some of our eagles banded by Eric Demers and the team from Vancouver Island University before they were released which is always an incredible thing to be able to do.

10/13/2026

A quick turn around for the spiciest patient of the year!

This Pacific Loon was found on shore in a less than ideal place. Loons are unable to stand or walk on solid ground and this poor bird found themself in the middle of a road. The brave finders were able to scoop it up and bring it into MARS for treatment. Only 36 hours later, they were contacted to help release it!

The Loon had some minor waterproofing issues due to the dirt and gravel from being on land for a short amount of time, but thankfully no injuries. We were able to clean the dirt from their feathers, swim them in our overflow pool and amazingly, after just three swim sessions, their waterproofing had improved enough for release!

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for kind people doing good things. Yesterday, Bennett from Campbell River brought in s...
10/12/2026

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for kind people doing good things. Yesterday, Bennett from Campbell River brought in saved pocket money and various items from our wish list. We are grateful for your generosity, Bennett! Donations like yours have a huge impact our patients.

And if you look carefully, you'll see our founder, Maj Birch, smiling at you and your gifts. ❤️

Right now we have FOUR species of goose in care!We have several Canada Geese, a Cackling Goose, two Snow Geese and a Gre...
10/11/2026

Right now we have FOUR species of goose in care!

We have several Canada Geese, a Cackling Goose, two Snow Geese and a Greater White-fronted Goose. Quite the collection...

The Snow Geese and the Greater White-fronted Goose arrived after being found grounded and struggling from exhaustion due to migration. With patients like these, we typically see emaciation, dehydration, and poor blood glucose values due to the intense exertion of their migration journey so far.

One of the Canada Geese we have in care came in unable to fly, with infection on their legs and a fracture of a foot bone. The other one, unfortunately, had been raised by someone and had to learn how to be a goose all over again. And our Cackling Goose (who looks like a miniature Canada Goose) was grounded, unable to fly, and sadly was the victim of some intentional cruelty by members of the public.

Thankfully, our skilled team have managed to make all these critters stable and comfortable, with two of them almost ready for release! 🪿

Yes, you can support wildlife like these geese. Check out our website and help us help wildlife, one patient at a time.

Here is your formal invitation to our 2026 Annual General Meeting. Join us to learn what MARS staff and volunteers have ...
10/10/2026

Here is your formal invitation to our 2026 Annual General Meeting. Join us to learn what MARS staff and volunteers have accomplished with your support during 2025 - 2026 year, and to elect our next Board of Directors.

Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS)
Annual General Meeting
Saturday, October 24th, 2026
10 AM
Merville Hall, 1245 Fenwick Road Merville

In advance of the formal AGM, we are thrilled to share the following presentation:

Hummingbirds Around Us and at MARS with Bruce Moffat and Tash Davies.

We are remarkably fortunate to have hummingbirds year-round in our area. They are tiny gems of the sky with many unique qualities--even superpowers. They are common patients at MARS--but why are they admitted and how do we treat them?

Bruce is a local wildlife photographer and avid birder with a keen eye for intricate details, surprising behaviours, and the beauty of our feathered neighbours. Tash holds a master's of science degree in conservation and biodiversity science and is a senior rehabilitator in our wildlife hospital. They will share fascinating facts and stories, using words and images, about these brilliant birds.

Followed by tea & coffee before the formal AGM at 11:00. After the meeting you are welcome to come back to the Visitor Centre and Gift Shop to see more of MARS.

Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation and AGM, however, you must be an active member to vote. You can renew your membership via our website or in person at the Merville Hall before the meeting begins.

We are profoundly grateful to Don Coles, Operations Supervisor at GFL Environmental for his championing of MARS Wildlife...
10/06/2026

We are profoundly grateful to Don Coles, Operations Supervisor at GFL Environmental for his championing of MARS Wildlife Rescue. Through his efforts, we have been gifted an amazing $10 000 as part of GFL's Full Circle Project, where they partner with local charities like ours. Don, his colleagues, and GFL have been supporting MARS with financial donations, discounts, and equipment loans. These donations are significant and received with deep gratitude. They allow us to continue our work to help wildlife, one patient at a time.

Thank you, GFL Environmental, for your support. ❤️

Just a baby raccoon proud of her raccoon stuffy! It really is crazy how we have a 650 gram baby raccoon in care, just as...
10/05/2026

Just a baby raccoon proud of her raccoon stuffy!

It really is crazy how we have a 650 gram baby raccoon in care, just as we are planning the release of our last group of kits from earlier this season. Luckily, this critter will have another raccoon friend through the winter, lots of good food, and will stay with us until the Spring. 🌸

🐦‍⬛❤️📻️ Amazing folks! What a community! From the bottom of our feathered hearts, we thank The Raven 100.7 FM for choo...
10/04/2026

🐦‍⬛❤️📻️ Amazing folks! What a community!

From the bottom of our feathered hearts, we thank The Raven 100.7 FM for choosing MARS Wildlife Rescue to fundraise for all summer, culminating with the incredible Par-Tay on the Fairway event.

We are so grateful to Michael and the whole Raven family for giving a hoot🦉🙄😄. Their phenomenal sold-out golf tournament, held in September at the Saratoga Beach Golf Course, was full of heart and fun. They raised a whopping $10,989.00 for us! Incredible! More to come about the presenting sponsor, GFL Environmental, and their incredible donation, soon.

We also thank their Platinum Sponsors, Comox Valley Airport and Foxy Box Laser & Wax Bar - Courtenay & Campbell River, as well as the folks at Fountain Tire and Kelly & Carlos O'Bryan's Courtenay, Quality Foods and Mid Island Co-op.

And of course, every golfer and volunteer who made the day such a great success--we thank you. These funds keep us going--we aren't MARS without you. ❤️

📷️ the Raven & MARS

A thank you "peep!" from the creatures (big and small) who will benefit from the generosity of our friends at Mid Island...
10/03/2026

A thank you "peep!" from the creatures (big and small) who will benefit from the generosity of our friends at Mid Island Food Market . Alena and Sean presented a cheque for $1,000.00 to MARS, gratefully received by MARS board members Pearl and Leona at the Oyster River store. Thank you for your support of wildlife in need!

Did you know birds shed their feathers just like dogs shed their fur? For Lanei, our ambassador Western Screech Owl, thi...
10/03/2026

Did you know birds shed their feathers just like dogs shed their fur? For Lanei, our ambassador Western Screech Owl, this process, known as moulting, happens throughout July and August.

In the first photo, you can see a rather dishevelled, tragic looking fellow who looks like he's seen some things. In the second, the return of confident Lanei, looking incredibly neat and handsome with his fantastic plumage.

Moulting for most birds is very uncomfortable, itchy, and irritating. It is also very energy consuming for them to drop all those feathers and regrow them.

During our ambassador birds' peak moulting periods, we attempt to do more hands-off training to respect their boundaries when they feel their most awkward and unsettled. We often cut back on presentations and off-site visits during that time too, but that doesn't affect Lanei now that he's retired. 😜

Would you like to meet Lanei and our other feathered educators? Book a tour at https://marswildliferescue.com/tours/

Address

1331 Williams Beach Road, P. O. Box 415, B. C.
Merville, BC
V0R2M0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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