SPRING STERILIZATION PROGRAM

The time for our spring sterilization program has arrived. The Greek Action of Volunteer Veterinarians (GAVV or EDKE, in Greek) will be in Amorgos for this weekend —the 4 & 5 of March. The team will consist of four veterinarians, and the goal is to sterilize 100 cats in two days!

The Municipality of Amorgos are underwriting the transport, accommodation, and meals of the team as well as 30 new transporting cages. GAVV – EDKE will volunteer services, medicines and surgical supplies, and AZI will provide the organization, volunteers, clinic, equipment and other supplies such as detergents and underpads.

This program is crucial to control the animal population on Amorgos. Without it, the cat colonies will balloon to unsustainable sizes, which presents challenges to keeping members healthy and safe.

Please consider supporting our efforts. Donate today!

Thank you!

DEC 2022—We sincerely thank the stores of Mr. Alexios Tsamis and Captain Τροφοδοσίες Ελλάδος in Katapola for the donation of 3 bags of dry food and 3 packets of underpads for the animals we care for. Both AZI and AZI’s animals are so grateful!

Fall Sterilization Program 2022

Another sterilization program was completed with great success! Over a period of 10 days, a total of 213 stray cats (129 female and 84 male) were spayed/neutered from all over Amorgos, as well as 1 male dog. Additionally, surgeries were performed to remove cancer from the ears of two cats, as well as two surgeries for hernia repair, and, sadly, two euthanasias were performed for two very sick cats with late-stage cancer.

All animals were also vaccinated against rabies (except for those who were too sick), received anti-parasitic treatment, and were marked electronically (microchip). This program was made in collaboration with the Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International.

We would first like to thank our amazing veterinarian Dr. Andrianna Alexandropoulou, for her unwavering support and assistance (and for the fact that she worked intensely to meet the needs of our community).

Also we offer sincere thanks to the Municipality of Amorgos for the continuous support and perfect cooperation, the local veterinarian Dr. Dimitris Simos for his cooperation, and for transporting and catching cats of Chora, our Chariklia Psaki who worked eagerly as a veterinarian assistant. We wish to thank our amazing volunteers Giorgos, Angeliki, Anna, Melina, Marianna, Kaliroi, Lamia, Lilie, Wentoula, Fani, Alexandros, Giannis and Rania who "plowed the island" and went up and down many stairs in order to collect and release cats as well as to assist in the clinic, and of course all the inhabitants of the island who helped each in his or her own way.

We would like to say that the participation of the residents in this program was wonderful and to apologize to those who were unable to be included in the program as literally it was raining cats. Thank you all!

This sterilization program is crucial for both the cats and the residents of the island. Without this effort, the population of cats would explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach the age of reproduction very quickly at 6 months and can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all, and they soon become parasitic and sick, suffering from malnutrition and common infections, and increasing dissatisfaction within the community. When the cat population is under control, we are able to give them proper food and treatments for parasites, so that their overall health improves which reduces their risk of being considered a nuisance pest. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved.

If you agree, please continue to support our efforts to improve the lives of the cats of Amorgos. Make a donation to AZI today. Thank you! https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI

Rescue of a common cuckoo

A few weeks ago, we received a call from Kato M. regarding an injured cuckoo (Cuculus canorus canorus) which was taken from the claws of a cat.

The next day the bird was brought to our Center. As it was the first time we received an injured cuckoo we immediately contacted our partners from Alkioni Aegean Wildlife Hospital in Paros to ask for guidance.

Unfortunately, cat bites can often be fatal for birds as they carry germs that are difficult for birds to fight off. So we started immediately taking care of the wound in his neck in fear that he might not make it. But he turned out to be a fighter and did great.

He was only missing a few feathers from one wing which will grow back in time. But these birds don't eat well in captivity so we were eager to release him. We also wanted to see him off before the cold weather starts as at this time of year they are migrating south.

So an attempt was made a few days later … and the attempt was a success! The cuckoo flew off, once again proving that he is a fighter!!

Marios Fournaris from Alkioni Aegean Wildlife Hospital, we thank you so much for your invaluable advice, for always being available when we need you, and for having the patience to pass on your knowledge to us. The Alkioni Aegean Wildlife Hospital does amazing work with the wild birds in Greece.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Team Animal Action

On June 9 and 10, 2022, a total of 33 equines — 23 donkeys, 6 mules, and 4 horses — were seen and cared for by the Animal Action team, which included a veterinarian, a farrier, and a dental technician. They visited the areas of Chora, Katapola, Langada, Tholaria, and Potamos on Amorgos.

For the first time, owners were able to microchip their animals, required in accordance to ministerial decision number 311/62043/2021 which requires all equidae to be microchipped. Additionally, the team once again reminded all owners that the custom of keeping the animal’s legs tied together was inhumane and illegal. (As we’ve reported many times, this practice is severe and can permanently damage the legs.) Better, more humane ways to tie a horse, mule, or donkey, such as using a halter and collar, were discussed as alternative options.

The day before Animal Action's team arrived, we received at our shelter, after an order from the police, an abused, underweight donkey whose leg had a very bad wound due to being bound by a rope. The team took care of him and gave us useful tips and instructions for continuing his treatment.

The team also helped one phobic female donkey who has changed owners three times due to being unmanageable. She was also living with her tied legs. The team took care of her teeth and hooves, and after some useful advice, the owner felt confident enough to remove the rope from her feet. So the donkey lives now with free legs.

This program is vital, and the residents of Amorgos have embraced it and they eagerly await the annual visit of the incredible Animal Action team. For these reasons we want to warmly thank Animal Action for sending us again their amazing team: Kostas, the veterinarian specializing in equines, the farrier Tasos, the equine dentist Alkis and Evridiki. We thank also Hotel Minoa for offering their beautiful rooms for the visiting team at affordable rates. A big round of thanks also goes to the owners of the animals who participated this year and of course our wonderful volunteers who help us each and every time.

If you’d like to help us maintain this important and necessary program, please consider donating here.

Saving Napoleon

Although the practice of tying up an animal’s legs is now prohibited by law in Greece, in much of the Cyclades people still use this method as a means of restraint. And while everyone knows this is illegal, most times it is quietly tolerated by locals. It takes tourists visiting the island who, appalled by what they see, take action and call the police.

This happened a few days ago in Amorgos on the beach of Aegiali. Some tourists were surprised to see a badly limping donkey there. Two of its legs were tied together and the rope had cut a deep wound into one of its legs, which was covered with flies. The poor donkey was clearly in pain and walked with difficulty. The tourists immediately sought help by calling the police and reporting the abuse.

The police officers soon arrived with a representative from the Municipality. After fruitless attempts to find the owner (fines for such cases ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 euro), they handed the donkey over to the Municipality of Amorgos, who then brought it to AZI’s shelter the next morning.

The donkey is an old boy, approximately 30+ years old, malnourished, and has great trouble walking due to the many years of having his legs bound together. We decided to call him Napoleon.

Napoleon is hesitant and fearful of people. On the day he arrived, local veterinarian Dimitris Simos cleaned the wound on his leg. In one way Napoleon was very lucky because on the day after, the equine team from Animal Action were coming to Amorgos for their annual spring visit. Through this amazing program, Napoleon received comprehensive healthcare that included a dental exam, an overall physical, and care for his hooves.

Three days later, another veterinarian, this time from Naxos, examined him by request of the police (required in cases of animal abuse). Each of the veterinarians determined that Napoleon was not fed enough and developed mobility problems due to the practice of tying his legs together for long periods of time, so much so that even after the rope was removed, he continued to walk stiffly (see video).

We hope in time Napoleon will recover from this abuse and learn to trust humans. It is a terrible shame that after so much publicity and education regarding this outdated practice, it still continues. Our work isn’t complete until the day this abuse is eradicated from the island. If you can help us with this cause, please donate here. Thank you!

Thank you EDKE!

As part of the Crossing 2022 organized by Symplefsi (+ plefsi) targeting nine small and remote Greek islands, the Voluntary Action of Veterinarians of Greece (EDKE) came to Amorgos. The team of EDKE consisted of two veterinarians, Mr. Ioannis Batsas and Mr. Elias Kaldis, who gave the stray animals of Amorgos free medical care.

A total of 20 stray cats were neutered, dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Also masses were surgically removed from a cat and a dog, an awn was removed from a donkey's eye, and a donkey with a chronic problem with her knees received treatment. Additionally a few more stray animals were examined and vaccinated.

We warmly thank Εθελοντική Δράση Κτηνιάτρων Ελλάδος (Ε.Δ.Κ.Ε.) and Symplefsi for the care and support they offer to humans and animals alike. May you all be well to continue the wonderful work you are doing. Until we meet again!!!

Supporting Symplefsi & EDKE

Symplefsi (+ plefsi) — a non-profit organization that aims to support and improve the living conditions of the inhabitants of the remote islands of Greece announced the realization of the Crossing 2022, which will involve nine small remote and isolated Greek islands from Thursday, May 5 until Sunday, May 15.

A fleet of the 11 inflatable boats will transport more than 90 volunteers to the following islands: Sikinos, Kassos, Tilos, Pserimos, Levitha, Kinaros, Amorgos, Schinoussa, Heraklia, for a total route of over 500 nautical miles. The primary goal of the mission is to offer free specialized medical examinations and related health services.

The Voluntary Action of Veterinarians of Greece (EDKE) are a part of the effort, with its volunteers offering veterinary assistance, care, and sterilization to stray animals on the islands. The aim of the partnership is the overall offer of health in the Greek remote islands.

Animal Zone International cannot but support this action by providing space of our veterinary clinic for the participating veterinarians to perform their work, as well as by offering volunteer help. That is why we call those volunteers who are interested in helping with the catching and transporting of stray cats as well as those residents who care for stray animals that need neutering to contact us at the phones: 22850-71716 (08-00 am to 14:00 pm) and 697499004545.

Mitsos the donkey

We’d like to introduce Mitsos the donkey.

Mitsos, at 30 years old, is an old fellow, and he’s recently arrived at our equine shelter. We’ve been trying to get him over to the shelter for the last two years, as it became clear he had a difficult time working (he walked too slowly and often fell) and that he needed to rest.

His owner is a very old man who was also having difficulty moving himself so our position was challenging as we had to be sensitive to the needs of both the animal and the human.

Fortunately, the owner, after pressure from his children, realized he no longer could take care of Mitsos so it decided that Mitsos would come to AZI’s equine shelter to rest. What a relief for us all!

So now Mitsos can relax and enjoy as many years as he has left to live.

Welcome Mitsos!!

Update on Feevos

December 2021—It was back in February 2020 when we received a phone call from a resident who told us about a dog living on a mountain of feces and trash, locked in a warehouse without even one window to let the sunlight in. (You can read the original story here: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2020/4/24/the-rescue-of-two-dogs)

In August 2020, Feevos found his forever home in Holland where he has lived happily since then: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2020/8/22/feevos

And recently Feevos’ case was brought to trial in the three-member court of first instance of Naxos. Feevos’ former owner was accused of passive abuse of the animal. The court found the accused guilty and handed him a sentence of 1 year and 6 months suspended imprisonment. We are grateful that Feevos and our efforts were vindicated by the Greek justice system.

To all who find themselves witnessing abuse, please, do not turn a blind eye. Feevos was rescued and saved because someone spoke up and took action. Animals are unable to defend themselves, so we humans must step up to be their voices and help them when we witness their suffering.

A very special volunteer

What can we say about this woman: In the past year she has come to Amorgos twice. Though it was her vacation, she spent all her time volunteering. She cleaned beaches in collaboration with the fishermen, and with us, she cleaned fences and cages, took our dogs for a walk every morning and afternoon, cut, painted and nailed, helping us to renovate our dog shelter so it would be beautiful and ready for winter. There was not a day without her welcome and considerate presence.

And when she was leaving, she stepped up to help us once again, adopting two of our kittens who needed a home. Thank you, Ute! We are grateful for your generous soul and selfless service to others, including animals in need.

Autumn sterilization program: Nov 22–26, 2021

Animal Zone International, in cooperation with the Municipality of Amorgos, will be conducting a sterilization program for stray cats from Monday 22 to Friday 26 of November 2021.

The cost of the program will be covered by Animal Zone International and the Municipality of Amorgos.

We are asking anyone who is aware of stray cats in their area to contact us at the following numbers:

Animal Zone International’s office: 22850-71716

AZI's program coordinator: 6974990045

Owners who do not wish their cats to be sterilized are kindly requested to keep their cats indoors on the days when the program is being conducted or to place a collar around their necks so that our volunteers will not catch them.

As a reminder, according to Law 4039/2012, Article 5, Item g: The owner of the dominant pet is obliged to take care of its sterilization if he does not wish to keep the newborn animals or cannot arrange to find them new owners. He is also required to microchip and register the animal as well as to maintain a health booklet, but also to place a metallic tag on the collar of the animal, which is provided annually by the veterinarians showing proof of an annual rabies vaccination.

Support the cause! AZI’s spay/neuter program is key to creating a healthy and balanced cat population on the island. If the cat population is left unchecked, the number of hungry, sick, and infected stray animals overwhelms the area, allowing animal transmitted diseases to run rampant and frustrating local residents, pushing them to take measures into their own hands. Our sterilization program, by controling the animal population, aims to prevent these worst-case scenarios. Please help! No donation is too small. Donate here—thank you!

A Great Disappointment

Sept 2021— With sadness but also with anger, we must report that someone broke into our donation box, located by the equine shelter, and stole all the money except for 2 euros.

Our donation box was mounted there so that anyone, citizen or visitor, could leave a contribution to help all the animals in our care. The amount we collected each year was modest but still, we were able to buy medicine and other small items for the animals’ daily needs.

Animal welfare associations rely on donations to accomplish their work. We feel encouraged when like-minded people are motivated to leave a donation. Thus we are so sad and disappointed that someone absconded with the contributions made by our supporters to help the animals.

Baby Monk Seal

September 2021—On Sunday, 19th of September, a newborn baby monk seal of the protected species monachus-monachus was found at the port of Katapola. Our program coordinator Litsa Passari immediately informed the port police and came in contact with MOm (non-profit company for the research and protection of the Mediterranean seal monachus-monachus) in order the specialist to tell us what to do. The people of MOm told us not try to catch it and not give anything to eat but to monitor the baby for 24 hours and keep people in distance to let the mother, if she was around, to be able to find her. The presence of many people around the baby would prevent the mother from approaching and could also prevent the baby from coming out of the sea in order to rest.

The baby was female, only few days old and she was fed only through breastfeeding so the need for finding her mum was very urgent. Baby monk seals do not stay in the sea for long. They are born in caves where they remain until they grow and become stronger and then they venture out to the open sea. This baby was afraid of people so she was forced to swim longer than usual, with result of becoming weaker and weaker, so we needed to act immediately.

We asked the help of volunteers to make shifts of two people per shift in order to monitor the baby around the port until the next day. Our role was to keep people away, from those who were just curious to other who wanted to take photos up close. We asked them to keep some distance in order to give her a chance to sleep on the beach or on the rocks. Later in the evening, the baby reached a remote, protected beach far from people so we hoped that due to the lack of people she was able to get some sleep and eventually would be reunited with her mom. The next morning she was gone. We searched all over for her the next few days and still no sign of her. So we hope that she was able to find her mother and they are together now.

Update on Mayia

June 2021—Mayia was abandoned about a year ago along with another dog in the Kolofana area. It took us several months to catch her as she was literally scared of people. See her full story here: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2021/1/12/mayia

It only took her a few days to adore the man who cared for her and to reveal her funny and sweet character. But she continues to be cautious and afraid of strangers. Luckily this was not an obstacle for the people who decided to make her a member of their family.

in June, Mayia traveled to her new country and became a Dutch citizen. She lives now in a beautiful house with a family of a mother and two children who already adore her. Mayia (now Maia) is already quite happy and settled in her new environment.

Here is a recent message from her new family:

“Good morning from Holland! It's raining a lot this morning. Maia loves it and the green grass. She slept very well and now feels more relaxed and she wants to play! We are so happy with this little Miss Sunshine! Greetings from rainy Holland.”

Raise your Paws for the Cause - A Spring Benefit for the Animals of Amorgos

Throughout the pandemic, Animal Zone International has continued its work, transforming the lives of the animals and residents on the island of Amorgos.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we cannot wait to do our part to change the world. That is why we are asking you to act now and register for the auction.

Register now to gain access to all our auction packages, including:

• Exclusive travel packages and private tours

• Vintage Chanel, Scherrer, and other haute couture dresses

• Art and photographs by Damien Hirst, Wegman, Kenro Izu, and Glen Luchford including a Jenna Jameson print, all signed by the artists

• A 1501 Aldine Edition of Petrarch’s Canzoniere, Alecto Historical Editions 1997 book

• A "For Your Ears Only" recording by none other than Edoardo Ballerini

• 1970s signed Gerry Lopez Lightning Bolt surfboards

• Rare original Dogtown Skateboards

• A Linof 4x5 Master Tenika Classic Rangefinder

Bidding Closes Thursday, June 24th at 11:00 PM EDT

A Joyful Reunion

Last year, in 2020, Kanelos and Feevos were rescued a week apart, taken from their former owners and the miserable conditions in which they lived. Kanelos was tied up on a remote mountain, alone, with only a rusty barrel for a house, and Feevos was kept in a dirty warehouse, not even able to see sunlight. They spent a few months together at our shelter, recovering from their traumatic experiences, and in a relatively short time, both were adopted in the Netherlands by two amazing families.

We had informed both families about our suspicion that the two dogs were possibly brothers — as they had belonged to two brothers, are very similar to each other, are the same age, and they got along well at our Center. We thought it would be nice to schedule, if possible, a playdate for the dogs once they were settled in their new homes. And two days ago it happened.

Feevos and Kanelos, after about a year of separation, had a joyous reunion. From the moment they recognized each other they played and ran for two hours straight, in complete bliss. Seeing the photos documenting this jubilant reunion made us very, very happy and strengthens our resolve to fulfill our mission of rescuing abused and neglected animals and give them a full, happy life instead.

Spay/Neuter Program Spring 2021

The Spring sterilization program was completed successfully. A total of 145 stray cats (81 female and 64 male) were spay/neutered from all the villages of Amorgos, as well as 2 male dogs from AZI's shelter.

The program was made in collaboration with the Municipality of Amorgos, Animal Zone International, and Aegean Cats / “We live together” (www.welivetogether.gr).

We would first like to thank our amazing veterinarian Dr. Manolis Vorrisis, the founder of "We live together" (based on the island of Syros) for the uninterrupted support and assistance. Also we offer sincere thanks to the Municipality of Amorgos for the continuous support and perfect cooperation, the veterinarian Dr. Anna-Katerina Bacher who came from Thessaloniki to work for our sterilization program, the local veterinarian Dr. Dimitris Simos for his participation and impeccable cooperation, our Chariklia Psaki who worked eagerly as a veterinarian assistant, our amazing volunteers Giorgos, Anna, Mata, Melina, Lamia, Evangelia, Ventoula, Maria, Sofia, Fani and Alexandros who "plowed the island" and went up and down many stairs in order to collect and release cats as well as to assist in the clinic and of course all the inhabitants of the island who helped each in his own way. Thank you all!

This sterilization program is crucial for both the cats and the residents of the island. Without this effort, the population of cats would explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach the age of reproduction very quickly at 6 months and can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all, and they soon become parasitic and sick, suffering from malnutrition and common infections, and increasing dissatisfaction within the community. When the cat population is under control, we are able to give them proper food and treatments for parasites, so that their overall health improves which reduces their risk of being a nuisance. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved.

Regarding the contradiction which speaks of interference in the nature of the animal, our veterinarian Dr. Manolis Vorrisis points out that “for us, the cat is not a wild animal, but a pet. We intervene because we want her near us. Just as we intervene in our own lives with medical procedures etc. to benefit our health, we also intervene in hers.” To us, it’s clear that it is the right thing to do.

If you agree, please continue to support our efforts to improve the lives of the cats of Amorgos. Make a donation to AZI today. Thank you!

Winter Spay/Neuter Program

NOTICE: An extended sterilization program is being planned for early next year (Jan-Feb 2021), in order to cover more effectively all the villages here in Amorgos. This is an essential program, as we are seeing a rise the illegal use of pesticides to poison cats. This program aims to prevent an overpopulation of cats and thereby protect existing cats from being targeted with poison.

To achieve this we have created a GoGetFunding campaign to raise the amount needed to cover the various and many costs of this program (veterinarian fees, medicines, surgical supplies, etc.). Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated. This work so valuable to maintain the balance of the cats on the island and which ultimately benefits the community here as well.

To donate specifically for the sterilization program, click here: AZI Winter Spay/Neuter Program

We are grateful to our loyal supporters and all who join us in this cause. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Four Kittens

In June, a young girl from Arkesini called our program coordinator, Litsa, and asked for help with four newborn kittens that she had discovered alone in a field. Litsa gave her advice on how to care for them until they could be brought to our Center the next day.

These tiny kittens were only about three weeks old, not yet able to feed themselves, so we began an intensive care program, feeding them every two and a half hours with a baby bottle.  It seemed better for Litsa to care for them at home because of the intensive and time consuming program.

Because Litsa was already caring for two other newborns she asked ten-year-old Melina to come and help with their care.  Melina decided to take all four kittens home with her until they could begin to eat soft food by themselves. After that, Fanis, Croket, Ermina and Nala came back into Litsa’s care where they will remain until we can find loving homes for them.  

Our work on Amorgos is dependent of your donations. Please help us help these innocent creatures and make a contribution today! https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI