Arrival of 2nd Baby Monk Seal

Sept 2021—On Friday September 24th, not even a week after the appearance of the first baby monk seal, a second baby Mediterranean monk seal of the protected species Monachus-monachus was found. This time it was in a remote area of Aegiali and appeared very weak. A French man who lives in Amorgos spotted it and, realizing that something was wrong, immediately contacted us for help.

We in turn reached out to Dimitris Synodinos, owner of the Amorgos Diving Center, as he would have the means to approach the beach. Soon the experts from MOm (an organization dedicated to the study and protection of Monachus-monachus) saw that it needed immediate care. Volunteers from the Amorgos Diving Center went out to the spot with additional equipment and brought the baby seal in safely.

Our program coordinator Litsa Passari and the volunteer Chariklia Psaki transported the baby back to AZI's Center. They immediately came in contact with the local vet and in cooperation with the expert from MOm provided first aid. The baby was a girl, a little bit older than the first one found at the port of Katapola, but she was in a very bad state, showing signs of difficulty in breathing and clearly very weak. It was decided that she needed to go to Athens, to the facilities of MOm, where their specialists could offer her more intense care which she required. So someone stayed by her side all night, monitoring her, and early in the morning she was placed on the boat to Piraeus where the volunteers from MOm were waiting to take her.

But unfortunately and with sad hearts we must report that she died on the trip to Piraeus. An autopsy performed showed she in a very advanced stage of pneumonia. The vets at MOm said that even had she made it to their facility there was no chance for survival as the pneumonia had already progressed too far.We had hoped she would recover and return to the sea where she belonged but she flew instead to the sky. But we feel blessed because for a few hours we were touched by this precious treasure of the Greek seas which we are determined to protect in every way.

The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus-monachus is the rarest seal on Earth. With a estimated population of less than 600 in the world, it is one of the rarest and most endangered animal species on the planet and is characterized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. About half of the population, around 250-300 seals, live in Greece. The fact that the largest population of these endangered seals lives and reproduces in Greece make our responsibility for their conservation and protection against the dangers they face a responsibility we take seriously.

We want to warmly thank MOm for all its support, guidance and cooperation and for the fact that they are the guardian angels of the Mediterranean seal in Greece—they do an incredible job. We also want to thank Philippe P., who spotted the baby and recognized it needed help. As well we thank the Amorgos Diving Center (Dimitris Synodinos, Iakovos Vlavianos and all the rest team) for taking immediate action and helped to transfer the baby to us. Finally thanks go to all the volunteers who helped and offered their time and support.

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.

The Annual Visit of Animal Action Hellas

On September 11-12, a total of 53 equines (36 donkeys, 9 mules, and 8 horses) plus 1 cow who was suffering from an abscess on the hooves were seen and cared for by the Animal Action Hellas team in the following areas on Amorgos: Vroutsi, Langada, Tholaria, Potamos, Chora and Katapola.

The residents of Amorgos have embraced the program and they eagerly await the annual visit of the Animal Action Hellas team. The team also gave advice for alternative containment practices in order for the inhabitants to avoid the inhumane and illegal habit of keeping the animals' legs tied together, a practice that can cause severe injuries and permanently damage the legs. 

We want to thank Animal Action Hellas for sending their team: the veterinarian Kostas Okkas, the dental technician Alkis Gkeskos, and the farrier Tasos Skillas. A big round of thank yous also go to the owners of the many animals who participated in the program.

Mitsos

August 2021—Mitsos is a cat who lives in Agia Anna, Amorgos. About one month ago visitors to our island contacted us to report that he was suffering from a large wound under his ear and urgently needed medical care. We picked him up and after cleaning the wound began treating his ear. During his stay at our Center, he was also sterilized and dewormed and today, after now that his ear has healed, he was returned to his neighborhood.

When Litsa, our program coordinator, released him near his home, he ran off. But 10 minutes later, after exploring the area and realizing that he was back at home, he came running to find Litsa and did not stop showering affection on her. Litsa felt that he was thanking her for her care. And yes, animals have emotions and they prove it to us every day. This gratitude and love that they show us is the driving force that keeps us going.

Baby Sparrow

July 2021—Three weeks ago at the square of Katapola a baby sparrow was found by some children. The chick was skin and bones and where he was, was an easy target for cats. Τhe children didn't know where his nest was in order to put him back so they brought him to our Center.

At this age, chicks need feeding every 1-2 hours so he became attached to our coordinator Litsa so she could feed him whenever he needed to. Now, three weeks after his rescue, Babis as we call him has grown up and is healthy and strong. He will soon be ready to return to nature, thanks to the children who rescued him!

Four Kittens

July 2021—Not 1, not 2, not 3 but FOUR newborn kittens were rescued recently.

It appears that the kittens were taken away from their mom and left in a box in Ormos of Aegiali. They were crying through the night into the next afternoon until a goodhearted girl realized that they needed help and decided to take action. She bought milk and started to feed them and then called us. Soon the kittens came under the care of Litsa, AZI’s coordinator, who took over their care, including feeding them every 2 hours.

The kittens are now about 1 week old and the first one is starting to open his eyes. They are 3 boys and 1 girl and we named them Porthos, Athos, Aramis (the 3 bodyguards) and princess Avgi. When they reach the appropriate age they will be available for adoption. They are extremely sweet, round, fluffy balls who purr nonstop.

We’d like to mention here that Animal Zone International and the Municipality of Amorgos offer free spaying/neutering for the island's stray cats to the residents of Amorgos. Keep in mind it’s much better and more humane to prevent unwanted kittens than to leave them to certain death. And thanks to all who support us in our mission of humane animal welfare.

UPDATE Nov 2021: Two of the kittens have been adopted! See the story here.

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.”

Siouti is adopted!

June 2021—Siouti was only 2 months old when she was found by our friend Iannis in the middle of the road to Aegiali, in a deserted location. Unfortunately she was already quite blind due to a bad eye infection. Iannis took care of her for as long as he could but because he travels often he could not keep her so Siouti came to our Center.

We confirmed that Siouti was completely blind; additionally she tested positive for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Luckily that didn’t stop her from being adopted by a wonderful couple in Holland.

On 16th of June, Siouti traveled to her new country and is now a Dutch citizen. Her new mum Ute loves Amorgos and has been coming here for about 10 years. This year she decided to spend her holiday in Amorgos by helping animals, which was wonderful for us since she decided to volunteer at our Center. It was then that she met Siouti and fell in love with her. After a week her partner Edouard joined the group, and he fell in love with Siouti as well.

Siouti lives now in a beautiful house in Amsterdam and although she is completely blind has already become completely accustomed to the environment. Here is a message from her mum:

Hello Litsa, all is fine with Siouti, she also came to sleep next to us last night. She is settling well, it’s amazing how quickly she knows the house, where the doors are, where to jump on or off, it’s incredible!

Here are 2 short videos of Siouti at her new home in Holland:

Update on Georgia

June 2021—From the streets of Athens to AZI's Center in Amorgos, then from AZI's Center to a beautiful home in Holland, Georgia—now called Dumpy—was a blind, sweet kitten we rescued in the summer of 2020.

Now, she has become a Dutch citizen and has a wonderful life in a warm home with a very big loving family. Here are some of the recent photos we received from her mum.

See her original story here: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2020/8/21/georgia

Rescue of a sparrow chick

June 2021—Our coordinator Litsa was heading to throw out the garbage when she spotted a cat with something in her mouth. She could not see the bird’s head as it was in the cat’s mouth, just 2 legs and wings.

She was in a dilemma. To let nature be or to intervene? It did not take much thought. The cat is well fed and cared for by a nearby family and could eat whenever she wanted. The bird however would lose its life which as Litsa soon found out had only just begun.

So Litsa opened the cat's mouth and took the little one who tried to fly, but as it could not get very high it was still at risk of being picked up by another cat. So Litsa picked the chick up (feeling its heart pounding like it was playing the drums) and examined it. There was some bleeding from his mouth but other than that there were no other injuries.

The bird drank some water and managed to calm down in a quiet, safe place. Litsa also gave him a meal and a little more water. Soon he had clearly recovered his strength and it was time to return to nature where he belongs. When he was brought out in the sun he was ready to go and flew off well.

We hope you can do it, little one. And please stay away from cats.

Update on Casper

June 2021—We were very happy to receive new photos of Casper yesterday!! Casper, who now goes by Caspar, is doing great at his new home in Holland. Caspar was adopted in January 2021 and since then he is happily living with his dad.

See his full story here: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2021/1/26/casper

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

Rescue of a Grey Heron

June 2021—A few weeks ago we were told that there was a big bird on the beach who was unable to fly. Our program coordinator Litsa went to investigate where she found a grey heron (Ardea cinarea) making every attempt to fly.

The bird was clearly exhausted from flying during migration season, completely skin and bones. He was given first aid immediately and the next morning he was sent to the Alkioni - Aegean Wildlife Hospital on the island of Paros, where they specialize in the care of wild birds.

The bird was given a poor prognosis as it was in a very bad shape, so much so that a feeding tube to the stomach had to be inserted. Yet the bird proved to be a fighter and managed to fully recover.

A few days ago the Alkioni - Aegean Wildlife Hospital together with the Special High School of Paros released the bird back to its natural environment. We were thrilled to see him fly off in good health.

The Alkioni - Aegean Wildlife Hospital does amazing work protecting and caring for wild birds. Τhey are always willing to help us with advice and for this reason, we are grateful and appreciate their work.

https://www.facebook.com/282833361820028/photos/a.284314225005275/3605366772899987

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!

Rescue of two dogs

On Saturday, December 5, 2020, we received a call from the Public Prosecutor of Naxos who asked us if we could host two dogs who were living in miserable conditions and needed to be urgently removed from their current situation. The prosecutor had ordered their removal after receiving a complaint from an Italian visitor to our island.

When we arrived at the scene, we found two emaciated dogs—literally skin and bones—fenced in a small unsanitary enclosure with two inadequate shelters. One was chained while the other was free. There were buckets of a dark green-yellow liquid that perhaps once contained water. The brown dog was called Jack and he had scars on his face. The other dog, a white and brown one, was called Voris, and he had matted fur with many bald spots and an old injury on his chin. The dogs were clearly neglected and the stench coming from both of them was unbelievable.

We took Jack and Voris to the vet that very afternoon and, after the necessary examinations, both were taken to our shelter. Both dogs got blood tests to further investigate their state of health. Jack, the older dog, was found to be healthy while Voris turned out to have a serious liver problem, requiring special treatment as well as prescription dog food and supplements. In one month he will be checked again, and we hope that we will see signs of improvement.

On December 22, 2020, after examining all the evidence that had been gathered, the Public Prosecutor issued a new provision that permanently removed the dogs from their owner and officially entrusted them to Animal Zone International. We are relieved, for now the road for adoption is open to them. We will search high and low for a good, loving, and safe home for them.

Since then, Jack and Voris have been doing very well. They eat with gusto and have happily put on weight. They have been groomed, dewormed, and treated for fleas and ticks. They go for long walks in the mornings and afternoons and are enjoying their newfound freedom. Jack, a handsome Segugio Italiano, is about 9 years old; Voris is about 7 years old and is a beautiful English setter.

We hope that a good home will be found for them soon—it’s what these two most deserve, a happy new life in peace and comfort. If you’d like to help them, please consider a donation for their care (food, medicine, and hopefully soon, funds to help with their adoption). No donation is too small. Your help is needed and very much appreciated! Donate here: https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI

Casper

In May 2020, Casper was found abandoned in a remote area of Amorgos, thin and very frightened. (You can read the original post of his story here.)

Once rescued, Casper turned into a darling boy. From the start, a number of people showed interest in adopting him but in those early months he was frightened of everyone so we decided to keep him a little longer until he began feel more secure.

Casper was temporarily placed with a family with extensive experience nurturing dogs who have experienced trauma and soon he blossomed into a calmer dog. Once he was ready for adoption, a family in Holland was ready and waiting for him but Covid-19 made travel impossible.

Finally, in January of 2021, Casper traveled from Amorgos to Piraeus with our program coordinator and the next morning he was on his way to his new home. Casper is now a Dutch National and he loves his new home and his new dad.

We offer our thanks to Herman for giving a loving home to this sweet boy and we thank Mirtos Animal Project for helping to make this possible.

To our tiny sweet ghost, we wish you a wonderful long life with your new family.

Mayia

Mayia is a small dog weighing about 7 kilos /15 lbs. She was abandoned along with another dog, Casper, back in Spring 2020, somewhere near the village of Kolofana.

We were able to rescue Casper easily but Mayia eluded us the entire summer. In October, a kind man from Kolofana spotted her following his dog. We asked for his help to secure Mayia by putting food out in an enclosed area. The next day he called us to get her; she was in his garage.

When we first met her, Mayia was completely scared and she kept trying to run away, and on a walk she did just that, pulling out of her harness and disappearing once again. We didn’t see her or hear anything about her for a long while.

Then, about two weeks before Christmas, we had some good news—a shepherd spotted a loose dog in the mountains. When he saw Mayia's picture, he said it was her, so we had him help us rescue her by putting food in an enclosed area once again. A week later, just two days before Christmas, the shepherd called saying he had Mayia. Finally, she was back with us at our Center, and the hard work to socialize her began. We also made sure her harness was secure on walks this time!

After a couple of weeks, Mayia improved quite a bit and she is learning to trust people more. She has bonded with our volunteer Giorgos with whom she spends most of her time. She was also reunited with her brother Casper and plays with him a lot. We’re thrilled to see her happy and safe. Welcome sweet Mayia!

Our dog shelter

Our dog shelter was finally emptied thanks to the adoption of the three dogs we had been hosting, which means that we can now continue the work that we began earlier to maintain the safety and comfort of this small canine compound.

Using bamboo taken from another area where it wasn’t needed, we created a sheltered area to protect from the summer sun and the autumn winds.

We also added new gravel to the ground since it protects the dogs from the mud when it rains. It took over one hundred sacks of gravel to cover the area, which will help keep the dogs clean and dry. We also laid fresh hay in the doghouses. All of this was done in time to welcome two new canine members to our facility.

Next, we must repair the roof so that protection from the rain will help to make the shelter a truly comfortable enclosure.

If you would like to help us with the maintenance of our dog shelter, you can make a contribution here: https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI

Our work on Amorgos is dependent on your donations. No donation is too small!

We thank you and wish you the very best during this trying time.

Ivan is Adopted

In early November, we were very concerned that Greece might be entering another lockdown due to the pandemic and prevent us from getting Ivan to his flight to Holland. But by grace and good fortune, we managed to get our beloved Ivan to the airport, and thereafter to his new home in Holland.

Lucky for him, this sweet fellow got on on the very last ship from Amorgos to Athens just before the lockdown began. Then our amazing volunteer, Julia, hosted him in her home in Athens for two days before she and Pepi escorted him to the airport. From there, the wonderful Corina from the Mirtos Animal Project came from Holland and escorted Ivan on the flight to Holland.

Finally, late on Sunday evening, Ivan arrived at Schiphol Airport and into the arms of his new mum. We wish them both a long and beautiful and happy life together, sharing love and companionship. Ivan in particular loves to be hugged so we send him so many warm hugs to accompany him in his new life.