MARS Wildlife Rescue is a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Merville that cares for over 1,000 injured, orphaned, and ill wild animals every year. Their mission is to conserve and protect native wildlife and its natural habitat through both hands-on rehabilitation and public education. If you find an injured bird, mammal, or other wild animal in the Comox Valley, MARS is the organization that takes them in, treats them, and works to release them back to the wild when they’re ready.

The centre operates a Visitor Centre where people can learn about local wildlife, the challenges animals face, and the rehabilitation process. It’s an educational resource for understanding the wildlife that shares this region with us and what happens when animals need help. MARS handles a wide range of species—from raptors and seabirds to small mammals—providing medical care, feeding, and safe housing during recovery.

The organization runs on a combination of staff and volunteers, though specific volunteer details aren’t readily available on their site. If you’re interested in supporting their work, check their website for donation information or contact them directly about involvement opportunities. MARS plays a critical role in local wildlife conservation—when an animal is in trouble, they’re the ones who step in.