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Rescue of a common cuckoo

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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.

Meet Ruby, our special kitten

Ruby is just a small kitten but his life has already been full of difficulty and hardship. Somehow he got trapped in the engine of a car and somehow he was lucky enough not to get minced. But he did sustain terrible burns and serious injuries: his front leg was broken, his right ear was completely torn up, and parts of his fur were severely burned.

When he arrived at our Center, his leg had already set crookedly, his damaged ear was barely there, and his wounds were still open and at risk of serious infection.

Yet despite this, his sweet personality came through. After a month or more under our care, his skin and ear have healed and he is doing much better. Unfortunately his leg will forever be bent but it doesn't slow him down. He is eating well and gaining weight and also incredibly cuddly and sweet and plays a lot. Now he is ready to be adopted and we are looking for that special person to fall in love with our special kitten.

Do you have a spot in your home for our little survivor? Or if not, can you help support his medical treatments? Every little bit helps because with each rescue like Ruby’s we incur high fees for all the necessary veterinary treatments. Of course, we do it without complaint to give these deserving animals a second chance at a happy life but we can’t do it alone—we need your help.

Please donate here—Thank you!!

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.

Cuba's story

They met in July—he was a stray in Arkesini and she on holiday in Amorgos. This total sweetheart of a cat wanted nothing but affection and it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, she already had four cats at home and could not adopt a fifth. So it was with a heavy heart that she had to leave him behind.

However she did not forget him and was determined to get him off the streets. That was when our phone rang. "If I manage to find a foster home for him will you be able to pick him up and send him to me?" Of course we would!

One doesn’t deprive an animal such a golden opportunity, especially when he is living a dangerous life on the street and is so personable and friendly. And so—great news!! —a foster was found with the possiblity of adoption.

And then it was our turn. Ship transportation was arranged with the most reliable assistance of Eva K. and Pepi G.—our tireless volunteers (as always, we thank you!).

Then our program coordinator Litsa went to Arkesini to pick him up. We had a small hurdle when she looked all over for him but couldn’t find him. Disappointed, she turned to leave, and right then, he appeared, meowing a little hello to her.

That was when we learned a little more about his life: he had been fed and cared for by a teacher who left. We also learned that his name was Cuba. But the fact remained that he had no home so Litsa put him in a transporting cage and brought him back to our Center.

Τhe next day we said our goodbyes at the port. Natassa was waiting for him in Piraeus at 5am. We thank Natassa, his guardian angel, for investing so much time, effort, and money into this little fellow (she took him to the vet for neutering, a microchip, and tests). People like Natassa make our world a better place.

Today Cuba is going to his foster home and who knows, maybe this will become his permanent home.

Have a good life sweet Cuba—live happily for many, many years!!

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Meet Roumi, our new rescued puppy

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August 2022—Meet Roumi, a sweet young female puppy. Originally Roumi was adopted and brought to Amorgos but that owner was extremely neglectful, irresponsible and clearly unable to properly care for her. She was often alone on the streets, tied to signposts next to main roads all night, or left under the sun on the beach without any protection etc.

We received many calls from concerned citizens regarding for her well being, sometimes in the very early morning, about 4am or 5am. Finally she was taken in by a nice girl who refused to give her back to her owner, knowing how poorly he cared for Roumi.

She made a complaint to the police and asked us for help, which we gave with great pleasure by taking the puppy under our care. Now Roumi is with us and we are looking for a caring family who will treat her with the love and respect that she deserves.

Welcome Roumi!

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Progress Report 2022

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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!

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Jordan, a three-legged kitten

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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!

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Team Animal Action

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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.

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Saving Napoleon

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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!

The cats of the monastery of Chozoviotissa

Recently, a kind-hearted tourist named Martina called us, concerned about a cat living at the monastery of Chozoviotissa. We reached out to the people who live and work at the monastery and discovered that the cat colony there badly needed treatment against internal and external parasites. Using funds from previous donations, we had already purchased ampoules and pills for treatments against cat parasites. So an appointment with the monastery was made immediately.

On Tuesday, May 24, very early in the morning (in order to be there when the monks feed the cats), our program coordinator Litsa together with our wonderful volunteers Ute and Edouard visited the monastery of Chozoviotissa, loaded ampoules and deworming pills.

Christos, who takes care of the cats, was waiting for us with 14 of the 16 cats who reside at the monastery. All were treated for internal and external parasites except for the 2 who were absent that morning. (We left Christos with the ampules and pills for them.) One of the cats was suffering from a respiratory disease so she also received a 10day antibiotic that will help her to recover. Advice was also given regarding proper nutrition which will help to keep them healthy.

We thank all the people of the monastery and especially Christos who lovingly cares for the cats that live there.

We are also grateful to our supporters because it’s thanks to them we were able to buy the necessary treatments and proceed with this action promptly.

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Thank you EDKE!

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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!!!

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Supporting Symplefsi & EDKE

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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.

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Mitsos the donkey

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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!!

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Kyveli, the baby goat

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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.

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Update on Feevos

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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.

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.

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A very special volunteer

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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.

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Autumn sterilization program: Nov 22–26, 2021

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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!

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Athos and Avgi are adopted!

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Dear Athos (from the Three Musketeers) and Avgi, Almost 4 months ago when you arrived you were just a bunch of little creatures. Not even one week old, with your eyes closed, you could fit in our palms. Α "human" took you from your mom and threw you in the street like you were rubbish. It took us one entire month of intensive care (and loss of sleep!) to start eating on your own.

Now, almost four months later, you are two chubby monsters and today a new life opens before you. Today you say goodbye to Amorgos forever and begin the journey to your new home and life. You have been adopted by the best family and you will soon be hanging out with another Amorgian kitten, Siouti, who has no idea yet what awaits her. We will miss you! But despite the grief of separation, we are very happy for you because you could not have landed in better hands.

Ute K. and Edouard A., thank you from the bottom of our hearts for once again opening your home and your hearts to creatures in need. Thank you for what you have offered us and the animals of Amorgos. Have a happy and great life together! Have a good trip our little monsters and have a good start in your new life!

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.