Events

Winter sterilization program

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 — FRIDAY, MARCH 1st, 2024

Come with us to sterilize the strays of our neighborhood!

The Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International will carry out a sterilization program for stray cats. According to Law 4830/2021, article 9 (par. 1) & 10, sterilization of dogs and cats is MANDATORY except for the animals whose genetic sample of material (DNA) has been sent to the genetic storage and analysis laboratory pet.

The surgeries will take place at the Veterinary clinic of Animal Zone International in Pera Rachidi (Katapola)

Contact telephone numbers: 22850-71717 & 697 4990 045

Sponsor: Blue Star Ferries

AZI Fall Benefit

Deception, Deep Fakes & Magic

A Benefit Evening for Animal Zone International

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 7 PM

Robert Simon Fine Art
22 East 80th Street • Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10075

Tickets: $250
A fully tax-deductible contribution

Join master magician and misdirection expert Mark Mitton for a presentation on the challenges of determining what is real and what is not. Mark will examine the brain science behind our susceptibility to the tricks of the conjurer, both human and AI-generated. Through the evening, Mark will astonish you with dazzling feats of prestidigitation and teach you magic tricks to impress your friends and colleagues.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Animal Zone International, a Greek-based non-profit devoted to the sustainability of the environment and the protection of animals.

Refreshments will be served.

Mark Mitton, Master Magician

Your tax-deductible donation translates directly into food, care, and medical treatment for countless animals on the Greek island of Amorgos.

Animal Action in Amorgos

On June 17th and 18th, 2023, the equine care team of Animal Action Greece visited Amorgos, just like every year for the past ten years, to provide veterinary, dental, and farriery care to the island's equines. The veterinarian Kostas, the equine dental technician Alkis and the farrier Tasos offered their services to 33 equines (23 donkeys, 6 mules, and 4 horses) that are used for various agricultural and transport tasks.

Almost all of the equines needed their teeth fixed and quite a few also needed hoof care. Advice was also given on their proper diet as well as appropriate ways to keep them from running away without the use of pastoura (the traditional practice of tying the legs together).

During their stay, the team visited our shelter where they offered their services to our old folks—the 5 donkeys and 1 mule that we host here. The team had to work in the rain to get all the animals done.

Special thanks to Seajets and Blue Star Ferries for their support in helping our project by offering free return ferry tickets on the former and 50% off on the latter for the group members, Anna Studios and Galini pension for the free hosting of the group, Thomas Rent-a-Car for providing a car for the group's transportation, the "Kamari" restaurant in Katapola and the "Kostaras" restaurant in Aegiali for covering part of the team's meals.

A very big thank you to Deputy Mayor Popi Despotidi who, from the Municipality's side, was the one who sought the sponsorships and who is always willing to help. The Municipality of Amorgos contributed also to the group's transportation. For our part, we undertook the organization of the action and covered part of the group's meals.

It's through cooperation and understanding that we can achieve a lot.

We should also note that the owners of the animals were very hospitable, waited patiently, showed great thanks for the services of the team, offered bottles of roasted raki, and asked us to repeat the action which they embraced from the first moment and for this, they deserve a big thank you!

And to all our wonderful supporters out there, thank you all for your donations over the years. Please continue to support our efforts and goals by making a tax-deductible contribution here. We need you now more than ever!

Animal Action GREECE

Animal Action’s Equine Care Team visits Amorgos for 10th time!

In collaboration with the Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International, the Equine Care Team of Animal Action GREECE will visit our island this year once more, to offer its services to the working animals (donkeys, horses, mules) of the island's residents for two days, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June 2023.

Anyone with donkeys, mules, or horses in need of care can contact Animal Zone International at 22850-71716 and 6974990045 or simply bring their animal to the designated points.

ANIMAL ACTION GREECE's equine veterinarian, farrier and equine dental technician will examine the animals and care for the hooves and teeth FREE OF CHARGE.

DATES, POINTS AND TIMES OF MEETING:

Saturday, JUNE 17

Aegiali

Time 10:00 Up Parking of Langada

Time 13:00 Tholaria Parking area

Time: 15:00 Potamos Parking area (Chontrolia)

Chora

Time: 17:00 Chora Parking area (towards the Health Center)

Sunday, JUNE 18

Katapola

Time: 09:00 Agrokipio (Near Exarchopoulos)

The Animal Action team will be able to microchip the working equines of anyone interested.

Suggested token minimum donation: For 1 animal: €20 • For 2 animals: €15 / animal • For ≥ 3 animals: €10 / animal

Note: Based on Ministerial Decision No. 311/62043/2021 it is now mandatory for all equidae to be electronically marked

Theodora is adopted in England!

Theodora came to our Center in December 2021. When she arrived, she was roughly 2 months old and was suffering from respiratory problems. The girl who found her had to go back home to England and although she was willing to adopt the little kitten, Theodora was too sick to travel. The girl promised to come back to Amorgos and take Theodora to England with her and that's what happened.

In early October 2022, almost a year after Theodora’s arrival in our Center, the moment we were all waiting for had finally come. Theodora said goodbye to Amorgos forever and started the journey to her new country. She is now in her new home and has completely adapted to her new life. The two dogs of the family accepted her very easily and everything went smoothly for her.

Another happy ending!!!

Here are two short videos of Theodora at her home in England:

https://youtube.com/shorts/MSaiFIyaxJk?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/Te09fbt9wVA?feature=share

Sterilization Program for Stray Cats

Friday, October 21 through Wednesday, November 2, 2022

The Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International will carry out a sterilization program for stray cats.

We ask those who take care of stray cats in their area and those who are interested in participating to contact us promptly at telephone: 22850 71716 & 6974990045.

According to Law 4940/2022, article 52, sterilization of dogs and cats is mandatory except for the animals whose genetic sample of material (DNA) has been sent to the genetic storage and analysis laboratory pet material of article 13.

The participation of volunteers, mainly in catching and transporting animals, will significantly help us help more animals.

A Benefit for Animal Zone International

Giovanni Battista Ruoppolo and Luca Giordano, Fruit, Flowers, a Ceramic Dish and a Vase on a Stone Ledge Beneath a Grape Arbor, with Two Women Gathering the Bounty. Oil on canvas, 46 ¼ x 66 ⅝ inches

Join us for a benefit for Animal Zone International

A Wine for the Worst Kind of Thieves


Wine Tastings

and Medieval Readings with celebrated Wine Historian and Sommelier Jeremy Parzen

Thursday, Oct 13, 2022 at 6:30 PM


Robert Simon Fine Art
22 East 80th Street • Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10075

Tickets: $150
tax-deductible

Taste three wines as Jeremy shares three colorful readings from Italy’s oldest book on wine and Boccaccio’s Decameron. The event includes a guided tasting of three native Italian grape varieties (Garganega, Schiava, and Nebbiolo) that were popular during Boccaccio's time and are still widely enjoyed today.

Additionally, enjoy a special preview of the exhibition: “Beyond Boundaries: Historical Art By and Of People of Color”

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Animal Zone International, a Greek-based non-profit devoted to the sustainability of the environment through the protection and control of animals.

AZI Benefit • Dec 17th

Join us for an evening of

Devilishly Good Wines & Diabolically Fine Poetry

Poetry is the Devil’s Wine

A virtual benefit for Animal Zone International

FEATURING

Award-winning actor EDOARDO BALLERINI and world-renowned wine connoisseur JEREMY PARZEN

Friday, Dec 17, 2021

7:30 PM Eastern Standard Time / 4:30 PM Pacific Standard Time via zoom

$200 FULLY TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION

Please join us on Friday, December 17 as acclaimed actor Edoardo Ballerini, “the Voice of God,” reads a selection of enocentric poems and wine writer Jeremy Parzen discusses the origins and epistemological implications of the wine as “the Devil’s Poetry.”

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Animal Zone International, a Greek-based non-profit devoted to the sustainability of the environment through the protection and control of animals.

~ Additional Info ~

A week before the online gathering, Jeremy Parzen, the event’s sommelier, will select appropriate wines available in each of our guests’ cities. Attendees will have the option of purchasing the wines at a local retailer or opening a bottle of wine of their own choosing. Note: Wine is not required but highly recommended to enhance the experience—aesthetically, physiologically, and intellectually.

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!

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 Wine Tasting

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Enjoy a night of exquisite Italian wines benefiting Amorgos

Italy cultivates roughly 2,000 native grape varieties. Award-winning wine journalist Lisa Denning and Italian wine specialist Marco Salerno will introduce the concept of native grapes and highlight varieties that are under the radar for the general public but are being talked about excitedly within insider Italian wine communities.

Featured wines:

Abisso Cataratto (2017) from Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily
Crivelli, Grignolino (2017) from Monferrato, Piedmont
Raina, Umbria Rosso della Gobba (2015) from Montefalco, Umbria

The presentation will explore the grapes' connection with the history and culture of the respective regions.

Join us to support the mission of AZI, a unique animal care center on the island of Amorgos. Our efforts include vaccinating and managing the cat population on the island, caring for many injured and sick animals, rescuing abused dogs and equines, and school visits on the island.

Wednesday, June 19th at 6:30 pm

Robert Simon Fine Art, 22 E 80th Street, New York, NY 10075

Buy your ticket now at azi-wine.eventbrite.com

If you prefer to pay by check, please send to Animal Zone International, PO Box 1039, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10003.

A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible.
Donations are 100% tax deductible.

Fall Spay/Neuter Program

Animal Zone International, in cooperation with the Municipality of Amorgos, will be conducting a sterilization program for stray cats on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 of November 2018. 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 them in their home on the two 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 can not dispose them to new owners. He is also required to ensure the microchip and the recording of his animal as well as to issue a health booklet, but also to place a metallic badge on the collar of the animal, which is provided annually by the veterinarians during the annual rabies vaccination.

Donate now—click on the yellow bottom at the top of the page. Your donation goes toward many programs that AZI sponsors, including feeding hungry cats, vaccinations, as well as the spay/neuter program. Thank you for your support!

Donate now—click on the yellow bottom at the top of the page. Your donation goes toward many programs that AZI sponsors, including feeding hungry cats, vaccinations, as well as the spay/neuter program. Thank you for your support!

Animal Action in Amorgos

On June 13 and 14, a total of 54 equines—31 donkeys, 9 mules and 14 horses—were seen and cared for by the Animal Action team in the following areas on Amorgos: Vroutsi,  Kolofana, Langada, Tholaria,  Potamos, Chora and Katapola.

The team also spoke and distributed leaflets for the inhumane and illegal habit of keeping the animals' legs tied together. This practice is severe and can permanently damage the legs. Instead, the team offered advice about a better way to tie a horse, mule or donkey, by using a halter and collar. The residents of Amorgos have embraced the program and they eagerly await the annual visit of the Animal Action team.

During the days of the program one of our lovely donkeys at our equine shelter, Daisy, who was already very old became seriously ill. She could not stand upright so euthanasia was deemed necessary. Daisy was a very social donkey who became the mascot of our shelter. We already miss her a lot.

We want to thank Animal Action for sending their team: Kleopatra Triantafilou, a veterinarian specializing in equines, the farrier Gianni Mprastiano, our volunteers Lea Voegeli and Giorgos Zafiriou who offer us much help, and Panagiotis Psychogios (the Pensione Panos) who hosted the vet. A big round of thank yous also go to the owners of the many animals who participated in the program.

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Announcement: Animal Action

In collaboration with Animal Zone International, the Equine Care team of ANIMAL ACTION  will return to our island this June in order to offer its services to working animals (donkeys, horses, mules) of residents of the island for two days: Wednesday, June 13th and Thursday June 14th. 

To anyone who has donkeys, mules, or horses who need care, please contact Animal Zone International by phone: 22850-71716 and 6974990045 or simply bring the animal to the designated points.

Both a veterinarian specializing in horses and the farrier from ANIMAL ACTION will deworm animals and will take care of hooves and animal teeth for FREE.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 13
AEGIALI
Time: 10:00 a.m. Over Parking Langada
Time: 12:00 p.m. Parking of Tholaria
Time: 13:30 p.m. Parking Ormos Aegiali (next to Lucky Hotel)
Time: 14:15 p.m. Parking of Potamos (Chodrolia)

CHORA
Time: 17:00 p.m. Parking of Chora (to the Health Center)

KATO MERIA
Time: 19:00 p.m. Vroutsi (parking of restaurant Georgalinis)
Time: 20:00 p.m. Kolofana (Agia Paraskevi)

THURSDAY JUNE 14
KATAPOLA
Time: 10:30 a.m. Agrokipio (Next to Exarchopoulos)

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Announcing a Vet Visit for June 2 & 3

ANNOUNCEMENT

Veterinarian Dimitrios Vasalakis will be in Amorgos on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 of June.

He will perform examinations at Animal Zone International's veterinary clinic at Pera Rachidi of Katapola.

Those who care for stray cats please contact us.

For more information, please contact either the veterinarian at telephone number +30 694 4278947 or AZI's program coordinator at telephone number +30 697 4990045.

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JOIN US FOR THE INSIDE STORY OF SALVATOR MUNDI!

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JOIN US FOR THE INSIDE STORY OF SALVATOR MUNDI!

Robert Simon, a renowned specialist of old Master paintings and board member of AZI, was a key player in the rediscovery and verification of the ‘last da Vinci,’ the painting now known as Salvator Mundi.

Christie's has called this painting “without question the greatest artistic rediscovery of the 21st century,” and, at auction last November, this masterpiece sold for an historic record of over $450 million.

On the evening of April 12th, Dr. Simon will recount his part in the fascinating story behind the rediscovery of Salvator Mundi, the last Leonardo held in private hands.

Join us at Sky Terrace, on the 54th floor of The Galleria, for an exciting evening of stories and magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline. Wine and Italian specialties by La Villetta will be served.

This event is a benefit for Animal Zone International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving animals, improving the environment, and shaping tomorrow's future for island communities, beginning with the Greek island of Amorgos.

Thursday, April 12 at 8pm
Sky Terrace at The Galleria
117 East 57th Street, 54th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Buy your tickets here: https://salvatormundi.eventbrite.com

It’s kind of scary—I wrapped it in a bin liner and jumped in a taxi with it.
— Robert Simon, 2005

Buy your ticket NOW! Celebrate with us on Wed Nov 15th!

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10th Anniversary Gala Benefit and Auction

Wednesday, November 15 at 7PM

Via Emilia, 47 East 21st Street, New York, NY

Please join us for a very special evening: For ten years, we've supported and rescued cats, dogs and equines throughout Amorgos. With your help, this important work can continue.

Bid on art work, jewelry, luxury vacation stays, tempting household items, training sessions, private concerts in your home, and much more. See our catalog here.

Come enjoy great food, drinks and company with fellow animal lovers and help support our efforts.

Live music by violin virtuoso Stamatis Giannakopoulos from Amorgos with New York composer Jed Disler at the keyboard.

Pay by credit card or PayPal by clicking button below, or send a check payable to Animal Zone International, P.O. Box 1039, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10003.

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Celebrate with us on Wed Nov 15th!

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10th Anniversary Gala Benefit and Auction

Wednesday, November 15 at 7PM

Via Emilia, 47 East 21st Street, New York, NY

Please join us for a very special evening: For ten years, we've supported and rescued cats, dogs and equines throughout Amorgos. With your help, this important work can continue.

Bid on art work, jewelry, luxury vacation stays, tempting household items, training sessions, private concerts in your home, and much more. See our catalog here.

Come enjoy great food, drinks and company with fellow animal lovers and help support our efforts.

Live music by violin virtuoso Stamatis Giannakopoulos from Amorgos with New York composer Jed Disler at the keyboard.

Pay by credit card or PayPal by clicking button below, or send a check payable to Animal Zone International, P.O. Box 1039, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10003.

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Come and Suprise Your Taste Buds!

A great chef prepares his dishes on the basis of what he finds at the market each day. So when we asked Chef William Mattiello which wild greens he will use for the risotto, he answers, Those that I will find at the forager’s. And if asked, the forager will answer in turn, Those that nature will make available on the day of the banquet.

Come and let your taste-buds be surprised! This meal will be a full immersion in unbelievable flavors. Rest assured, however: pine-nuts, mallow, green strawberries, chamomile, wild mint, lamb's quarter, purslane, and wild fennel are more than likely to meet you at the Animal Zone Vegetarian Feast to be held at Via Emilia on Sunday, June 25th at 6pm.

We will keep you posted. You’ll be the first to know what’s boiling in Chef’s Mattiello’s crucible.

A double surprise: behind each wild green there is a legend, a myth, a story you'll be happy to learn. Table food will be accompanied by table talks provided by food historian Luigi Ballerini.

From Weeds to Wisdom

Announcing an exotic dinner of edible wild greens, vegetables, berries, and grains conceived by poet and historian of both literature and food Luigi Ballerini, author of A Feast of Weeds, and prepared by Chef William Mattiello based on recipes of the legendary Pugliese coltivatore and cook Ada De Santis.

This benefit for Animal Zone International will pair inventive and sophisticated vegetarian dishes with literary and historical narratives ranging from Homer to Shakespeare.

Sunday, June 25 at 6pm

Via Emilia Restaurant
47 East 21st Street, New York 10010

Tickets: $300 per person ($250 of which is tax deductible); $500 for two. Space is limited; buy your ticket today!

Click the button above to pay by credit card or PayPal, or send a check to: Animal Zone International, P.O. Box 1039, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10003

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.
— Genesis 1, 29