How you can help animals in need
How you can help animals in need
We all love to see these loveable ( and some not so loveable ) creatures saved and given homes , but it doesn ’ t come easily . These caregiving organizations need our support . Donations to their nonprofit organizations are the lifeblood that pays for food , medicine , and keeps the lights on . Check out their websites to learn about the full range of services they provide , and to donate . You can even choose an individual animal to sponsor .
www . stargazingfarm . org www . lostandfoundmd . org www . garudaaviary . org
Down a secluded driveway off River Road in Poolesville , Christopher Zeoli , Director of Garuda Aviary , cares for more than 53 parrots . Originally his family began accumulating these beautiful birds from various abandonments , and housed them in a converted twocar garage . Garuda Aviary now has a larger building to accommodate bird housing , food storage , a work-
Veterinarian Ashley Young manages a herd of more than 30 donkeys , mules , horses , goats and cows at Lost & Found Donkey rescue .
Charming and sweet as all shop to build and maintain necessary infrastructure , and outdoor these animals appear , they need an endless amount of care and enclosures for warm weather . attention .
At a long industrial table two volunteers carefully dice a mix of l garuda aviary fresh vegetables , beans , and fruits in individual bowls as the birds look on eagerly through a large glass wall . Over the barely-controlled din , Christopher explains why parrots make lousy pets , and are so predictably frustrating to unwitting owners . Sadly , they are one of the most often surrendered animals . Parrots , a general term that includes a variety of species including cockatoos , macaws , and
Continued on page 11
Other organizations doing great work to provide refuge and rehab for animals in the Ag Reserve are Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville , featured in our Spring 2020 issue , and Owl Moon Raptor Farm in Boyds , described in our Spring 2022 issue .
www . animalsanctuary . org www . owlmoon . org
Each organization needs volunteers who commit to consistent , longterm schedules so they can get to know routines and build relationships with animals . Volunteer needs include help with fundraising , event management , IT support , accounting , and social media communications . And of course , volunteers help with animal care such as food preparation and grooming , but also the unglamorous work of cleaning stalls and cages . Who knows--you might just make a new furry or feathered friend for life .