News & Events
Our coordinator Litsa put together the slide show below, showcasing some of our more difficult cases so far this year.
WARNING: some of the images are graphic and therefore may be upsetting to some people.
As you can clearly see, these animals need our help! Some are suffering needlessly. For us to continue to do the work we do, we need your help! Won’t you make a donation today? https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
JULY 2023—Little Jordan, only three months old and weighing just over 3 lbs (1.5 kilo), was hit by a car, and sadly one of his legs was completely dislocated. Since he lives on Amorgos and there is no surgeon here for emergency care, there was no possibility of saving the leg, and unfortunately, it had to be amputated. He was sent to the vet on Naxos and then returned to Amorgos in our care. We’re happy to report that he is doing well, getting used to walking on three legs, and has the sweetest meow!
Soon he will be healthy again and we will look for the best home for him. But in the meantime, we are asking for your help to cover the cost of the surgery. Please help by donating here: https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI. Thank you!
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!
December 2021: Kyveli was found alone crying and very hungry on the mountain. She must have been only a few days old as her umbilical cord was still attached to her belly. She was discovered when she ran up to a couple out for a walk, hungry and crying for her mother. The couple looked around but saw no other goats there on the mountain so finally they took her with them and called AZI for help.
Our program coordinator Litsa became the main caretaker for sweet Kyveli, and we are looking for a suitable placement for her, hopefully within a herd of goats so that she would not be alone, and, of course, only if it was agreed that she would be safe to live out her life naturally.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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.
The latest rescue of two orphaned kittens, Bolec and Lolec, has been a great success. (See their original post here.)
These two are very happy, affectionate, and playful and would be a wonderful addition to a warm and loving home. What about yours? They will entertain you nonstop!
Kanelos, whose story we posted a short time ago, has been given the legal right, by order of the Prosecutor of the Court of First Instance of Naxos, to be rescued by Animal Zone International.
See his original story here: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2020/4/24/the-rescue-of-two-dogs
After nearly six months with us at our Center, Kanelos has finally found his forever home in Holland. He will be given the love that he was denied in his first year and now this sweet young dog will be able to give back the love that so clearly fills his special heart. Kanelos is living now with another dog, named Mila, and two cats.
We want to thank Mirtos Animal Project and their team for all of their help in finding a home for Kanelos. From Julia and Wensley who escorted Kanelos to Simone and her family who so lovingly opened their hearts to this handsome boy. We wish a long and happy and wonderful new life to our dear Kanelos!!
Our work on Amorgos is dependent on donations so we ask for your help in saving these innocent creatures. Please make a contribution today! https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI
Recently two newborn kittens arrived from the area of Rachidi in Katapola. We learned of their existence because their constant crying was keeping people awake for several nights. Fortunately we arrived just in time. These two helpless kittens were not even a month old, malnourished, dehydrated, and clearly abandoned. It seemed that their chances for survival were slim. But, after five days of feedings of two or three drops of milk throughout the day, they began to eat on their own and gained strength and their health. Now, they are feeling better and starting to play together. We welcome them and wish Bolec and Lolec a long and happy life.
Yupi arrived safely in his new home in Belgium. The people of the shelter there will do their best in order to give this handsome boy the special care he needs. Thank you all!
Kanelos was found living alone on a mountain slope, chained between two barrels, a very lonely and undernourished fellow, but, in only a short time, after his rescue, he responded to our care and attention and soon he learned to trust us and he became transformed into a happy, active and playful dog with no resemblance to the frightened boy that we first met.
On 30 September 2020, Kanelos left Amorgos to be with his forever family, a family that is ready to love him and keep him safe and well. We send our great good wishes to Kanelos. Very soon you will have the life you deserve and you will live in the warmth of your own home. We will post updates and photos from his new life as soon as we have them!
Kanelos as we found him
Kanelos at our Center in Amorgos, playing with Casper.
When he came to Animal Zone International’s Center, he was a bony creature with a respiratory problem and severe diarrhea. After a few days, we discovered he had a very serious condition — partial paralysis of the large intestine and a malfunctioning sphincter, which caused the incontinence and frequent infections, etc.
We’re told it was possibly caused by a stroke. But we know an animal in this condition cannot survive in the streets and adoption is not so easy for special needs cats. So we turned to a shelter in Belgium which is known to take on difficult cases.
Happily, Yupi was accepted and on 29 September 2020, he traveled to the Netherlands where he will stay for a few days before he heads to Belgium in order to be evaluated by experienced rescuers. We hope against hope that he will find his own home as he is an absolute cuddly sweet creature.
We want to acknowledge all the caring people who started the chain of events that saved him. From the tourist who picked him up from the streets of Tholaria, the volunteers who took care of him at our Center, Marina who accompanied him on the ship from Amorgos to Piraeus, Pepi and Daniel who picked him up from the port of Piraeus and hosted him at their house for a few days and accompanied him to the airport, Sophie and Jelle who accompanied him on the flight, Juliet who picked him up in the Netherlands, hosted him for a few days, and drove him all the way to Belgium to deliver him to the shelter who agreed to take him in.
This show of love and care makes us very optimistic, knowing there are many who do not remain indifferent and rather are willing to work together to help a small creature very much in need.
We hope that our little Yupi will be well —as well as possible. We wish you a good start in your new life and we hope that you will soon find your own family who will accept you as you are.
Orfeas came to our Center in May 2020 after being rescued from the streets along with his sister, Evridiki. They were not quite two months old and were living with their mom in the area of Kastelopetra, next to the central road in Katapola – Chora.
We never like to separate kittens from their mothers but unfortunately both kittens were suffering from respiratory disease and eye infections to such a degree that we feared for their survival. Now, even though their health is greatly improved, they have severely impaired vision or are blind due to the infection.
Blind kittens cannot survive on the streets, much less next to a busy road, so we have kept them with us and they are now playful and happy five month olds. They are healthy aside from their eyesight and would love to be in a new home. Would you consider adopting these sweet siblings?
Our work on Amorgos is dependent on donations and we ask for your help in caring for Orfeas. Please help us as well in finding him a loving home. We and Orfeas would be ever so grateful! https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI
