Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services, Inc. (MAARS) - Bird adoption, sanctuary, rescue, and care education services for parrots and other captive exotic 'pet' birds. News & Event

Home > News & Events > MAARSianChronicles > Issue 10: December 2004 > Volunteer Spotlight: Lilly Carlon – An Amazing MAARS Teen

Volunteer Spotlight

During the summer of 2004, MAARS Volunteer, Lilly Carlon, took an educational trip to Brazil, where she learned more about native Brazilian birds like this Toco Toucan.

Only 13 years old when she started volunteering with MAARS in March 2003, Lilly Carlon was recently instated as MAARS' youngest Assistant Shift Manager at age 14.

Lilly Carlon – An Amazing MAARS Teen

by Alayne Rueber, MAARS Volunteer Director

This month's Volunteer Spotlight is on Lilly Carlon. Lilly began volunteering for MAARS in March 2003 after learning about the organization at the Twin Cities Pet Expo in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She and her father spent a great deal of time talking with MAARS' Volunteer Staff, and decided that she would like to be a part of what MAARS does.

At only 13 years old when she started last year, Lilly already possessed many of the skills necessary to be an excellent caregiver. She had volunteered at a local animal shelter and worked at the International Wolf Center during the previous summer. She was also already guardian to a Parrotlet and a Cockatiel that she found in her family's front yard. Her love of animals is clear.

Lilly quickly made herself at home at MAARS. She continues to show up, week after week, with a smile on her face and eager to help. She gets along great with the Volunteer Staff and birds alike. Lilly quite simply put it, "I love birds and I don't mind cleaning cages." MAARS' leaders recognized Lilly's dedication, capabilities and high level of responsibility by instating her as a MAARS Assistant Shift Manager. As Assistant Shift Manager, Lilly is responsible for administering medications, caring for sick or injured birds, overseeing various shift responsibilities and assisting with training new volunteers.

Besides working a weekly four-hour shift, Lilly has volunteered her time at MAARS promotional events, the 4th Annual MAARS Gala Benefit Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Silent Auction, and special care projects for the flock at The Landing. Her family provides enormous support for Lilly's involvement at MAARS. They, too, lend a hand whenever they can by bringing in bag upon bag of newspapers for cage bottoms and assisting with clean-up projects at the shelter.

During the summer of 2004, MAARS Volunteer, Lilly Carlon, took an educational trip to Brazil, where she learned more about native Brazilian birds like this Toco Toucan.

The Carlon flock has grown over the past year. They have adopted Salsa, a Blue-streaked Lory, and just recently, Leo, a Peach-faced Lovebird. The entire family's support and love is just what these birds need to be happy and healthy.

Last summer Lilly traveled to Brazil with other area teenagers for an educational experience of a lifetime. She raised the money to fund her trip by holding a garage sale, selling candy, and with generous donations from friends, family, and fellow MAARS Volunteer Staff. The three-week trip included visits to Manaus (the rainforest), Brasilia, and Rio de Janiero. "It was great and an awesome experience," according to Lilly. She returned from her trip with amazing stories and several items she generously donated to the 4th Annual MAARS Gala Benefit Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Silent Auction.

Lilly has already decided that she will be an avian veterinarian someday. She is an excellent student and we cannot think of a career more suited to this talented young person. It appears that she is already well on her way to this goal. Thank you, Lilly, for sharing your time and talents with the flock at MAARS. You are a role model for young and old alike!

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