Events
Animal Zone
Animal Kingdom Candids: A Photography Exhibit ...

Join us in New York City on October 30, 2025, for Animal Kingdom Candids, a unique photography exhibition and silent auction benefiting Animal Zone International. Discover extraordinary works from world-renowned photographers and support animal welfare on the island of Amorgos.

Animal Kingdom Candids: A Photography Exhibit and Silent Auction to Benefit Animal Zone International
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"Paolas," I Mean... Horses

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The youngest daughter of Reverend Paraskevas, from the main Church in Katapola (Amorgos), has a whole stable of toy horses. She makes sure to parade them all before her father’s guests.

What’s the name of the one with the golden mane? "Paola," she answers. And the pony’s name? "Paola." And the dappled one? "Paola."

Wait a minute, are all your horses named Paola? “Nai, nai, of course. Paola is my name for hyppo. They are all called after the beautiful mare that was rescued from the hands of a local ogre. She now lives at the stable of the Philozoike, where I go visit her with my brothers and sister.”

A few years from now - at the moment she is 3 - she may learn that using a proper name in lieu of a common noun is a reverse case of antonomasia. Another Greek word? Please give me a break, she will say to her teacher. I care little for rhetoric: horses, I mean paolas, is what I care for.

 

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Paper Ashtrays

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Mr. Roussos is the new Mayor of Amorgos. Like his predecessor, Mr. Fostieris, he is very much in favor of Animal Zone's initiatives. He could not believe his eyes, however, when he realized that we had schlepped 2,000 AZI paper ashtrays all the way to his island. Flabbergasted as he was, he thought it was a great idea and asked for more!

““Whenever you can... We’ll take our butt dropping cigarette smokers by surprise. So many of our visitors, not to speak of the locals, must think of Amorgos as a vast ash-tray: they leave their smoker’s marks everywhere. These ashtrays are great, I will make sure they are distributed throughout. Disposing properly of cigarette butts goes hand in hand with caring for animals. It will be another step toward learning how to respect nature as a whole.””
— Mr. Roussos, Mayor of Amorgos 2010

 

In the meantime, Philozoike supporter and chain smoker Sophokles Prekas is setting a public example. And so is Stamatis who owns the Minoa Hotel and distributes our origami ashtrays to all his guests (just in case).

 

 

 

 

 

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From Our President

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It has been a transformative year in Amorgos. Oursponsorship of a local veterinarian has changed the life of many animals and of many people who depend on them. This generated much support and interest on the part of the community. New attention has been given to the animal health and well-being. We sponsored Dr. Despoti’s internship in one of the most prestigious no-kill animal shelters in the the US, PAWS Chicago. Since her return in March, Dr. Despotihastreated various animals in need and sterilized and released over 30 stray cats. It seems a small step but it makes a huge difference.  And through these little steps we are transforming a way of being.

We thank all of you for your help and we count on your contributions to continue.  Without your help we would not be able to make all of these small steps come together to transform the fate of so many neglected animals on the island.

Recently we were contacted by a tourist in Amorgos who noticed that cats were being fed in a dangerous road-side position. We greatly appreciate being informed of any maltreatment of animals witnessed on the island. We count on your continuous support. A small action can make a huge difference in the life of many animals and the environment in which they live.

 

 

It's Official!

Congratulations to our friends and collaborators, Vangeliou, Anna, Isabella and Rita. PMAA (Philozoic Merimna Association of Amorgos) is an officially registered organization now. Finally! We look forward to continuing our collaboration and bringing news of your efforts to all of the supporters of AZI.

Paola and Pepperina from the day their hooves were clipped and cleaned. Roza, a German ex-vet assistant who now lives permanently in Lagkada, showed us how it’s done.

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Greek Animal Welfare Fund

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GAWF is a London-based organization that strives to bring about significant and lasting improvement to the treatment of animals in Greece through a special program offering professional support in effort to help local animals. One of our local volunteers contacted GAWF to come and visit Amorgos and help us to improve the live of the horses, mules and donkeys there. We were pleased when they responded positively with interest in our request.   In cooperation with Elisa Geskou who is a vet working for GAWF as a volunteer, wearranged a visit to Amorgos in the end of May, after their yearly visit to the island of Naxos.

GAWF

They arrived on the May 29th to work on the south part of the island, close to Kamari to help the animals from the surrounding villages.  The following day they were at the port of Katapola where AZI's horse and donkey live at the new stable.  The GAWF vets treated 17 local equines with farriery (hoof care) and dentistry as well as applied treatments to protect the equines from flies (a big problem in the summer months).  One donkey was in such bad need of hoof trimming that he could hardly walk.  Our vet Dr. Despoti assisted, and of courseall of the treatment, advice and medicine was free of charge.

All of the farmers were very satisfied with the visit and we are very pleased with the level of participation.

Dr. Maria Despoti at PAWS Chicago

Dr. Despoti in Chicago

AZI sponsored our resident veterinarian, Dr. Maria Despoti for a two-week learning visit at the extraordinary PAWS Chicago. Since its founding in 1997 by Paula Fasseas, the number of homeless dogs and cats killed annually has dropped more than 50 percent. During her visit, Dr. Maria got to experience the practical philosophy and mission to build a no-kill Chicago for homeless pets. Her studies focused on the needs of the patients--to relieve disease, suffering, or disability while minimizing pain or fear--all with the most up-to-date medicine and medical technology.

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First Sheltered Place for Animals on the Island

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The stable

Great news!!! During the past summer the Mayor of Amorgos graciously accepted our invitation to offer a piece of land as the first shelter for some animals of the island. AZI has sponsored the construction of a new stable on the land.  Designed and constructed by Antonio Marvos, the stable is set on the slope of a lush, green field and has the capacity to house several large animals. Paola the horse and Pepperina the donkey are the two first residents. It is thanks to Evangelio, Katerina, Rita, Theodosi, Anna and Dr. Despoti that Paola has recovered so well and Pepperina, at almost 30 years old, has found a new home to spend her last years in old age. Despite the occasionally kicking around, they are always close together both calling each other when they are separated for a while.

Horse and donkey

This is significant step in the life of the island as it is not common to have fencing and shelter for equines. The preferred method of restraining is to hobble the animals by tying their legs together, to keep them confined. Thus, most importantly this construction marks the beginning to the end of the cycle of neglect and abuse.

Everyone is welcome to visit and learn how to care for the animals. Educational programs at the stable will teach children empathy, compassion and how to care for pets and farm animals. Tourists will find a tranquilrepose here which will promote a more welcoming atmosphere to the island.

Good News — AZI Sponsors a Vet for Amorgos

Oct 2010—Working with the mayor and government council, Animal Zone has moved forward on our plan to hire a vet for the island of Amorgos. Dr. Maria Despoti, a young veterinarian from Thessaloniki, arrived in Amorgos in mid-October 2010 for a two-month trial. For us, this means gaining ground in our goal of maintaining a healthy cat population, and providing regular healthcare for the neglected dogs, goats, mules and all other animals on the island. So far, she has worked closely with the local animal group PMAA for all regular and emergency animal care, such as caring for Paola the mare, treating a cat with crushed feet, vaccinating the dogs up the mountain as well as the two puppies that have been recently saved. We are pleased to hear that as the Amorgosian community learn of Dr. Despoti’s presence, they are bringing the stray animals from their distant villages, in particular the village of Lengarda, to the AZI clinic for sterilization, vaccinations and basic healthcare.

We hope to extend her contract for a year. As you can imagine, expenses for retaining a vet, the medicine and vaccines needed for the animals, and other costs of operating an animal clinic require a lot of money. This is our main goal for raising money now. We believe having a vet available on the island will completely transform the lives of the animals as well as the community.

AZI’s New Clinic!

Sept 2010 — For the past year, Animal Zone has worked tirelessly to set up a veterinary clinic in the village of Xilokeratidi, supplying it with much needed medical equipment. In order to keep the clinic open and available to the community, we need your help—please  make a donation.

Prior to this, the only vet facility that was available was provided by the municipality, and was not more than a space (no equipment), in the village of Chora, which is a great distance away. Our new facility, open since January 2010, is located in a rented basement of a local pensione, and serves all animals of the areas of Xilokeratidi, Katapola, Rachidi and Nera and all other animals that are brought to it. Without the completion of this facility, it would not be possible to have a vet come and take care of all the regular and emergency medical care for the animals of the island.

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Paola the Mare, Our Latest Addition

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Paola the Mare

Paola the Mare

Sept 2010 — Responding to a call for help from members of the new animal association (PMAA), this summer AZI became aware of the tragic existence of a mare, donkey and mule, owned by a shepherd but not cared for by him. They lived without shelter, not enough food, insufficient water, and with their legs tied tightly together (see photo). It upset a tourist from Athens so much that he notified the police and pressed charges, but without any consequence.

Mule with legs tied

That justice is being sought is significant; however, these animals require immediate attention, especially the mare. We have learned that the donkey and mule were bought by a local shepherd and unfortunately, we are unable to locate them at this time. As for the mare, with the help of the Mayor, the owner was persuaded to sell the mare to the newly formed animal association.

AZI has pledged the money for her purchase and upkeep, and she will be kept on land offered by the Mayor. AZI is financing the construction of a fence and shelter for her. We hope to save and purchase other horses, mules and donkeys (which, incidentally, are now an endangered species on the island, due to mistreatment). Most of these animals are abandoned, castaway as unfit for work, in the middle of nowhere, with no food, no water, and with their legs tied together to restrict their movement.

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Paola the Mare - Update

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Paola the Mare and her new fence

Dec 2010 — A fence has been constructed for Paola and she is being cared for by our vet, Dr. Despoti. However, there are still a couple of missing items before she can be safe and sound in her new home. First, as the winter is soon approaching, we are urgently planning and preparing to build a shelter/stable for her in the fenced-in area. The stable will hold up to 4 animals and will have storage space for hay. Second, in order to get hay for Paola, it must be ordered and shipped from Athens, a costly expense. We are working furiously to raise funds to cover these very important needs.

A New Local Association Is Formed

Sept 2010 — We are thrilled to announce the formation of the Philozoic Merimna Association of Amorgos (PMAA), an association of volunteers who are dedicated to the protection and care for all the animals on Amorgos, from the strays to the domestic and productive animals. This is a dream come true. This group will be our interlocutor on the island and will not only help to identify and prioritize issues but also ensure that the solutions adopted are fully implemented. AZI is currently offering PMAA financial support as they begin to get organized.
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Manolis

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Fall 2010 - One of the founding fathers of Philozoic Merimna Association of Amorgos (PMAA), Manolis has been feeding approximately 50 cats every day for a number of years. Some across the street from his house, some at Nonda's orchards about 2 miles away and some behind the Saint Georgios Balsamitis Hotel in Xilokeratidi. When Manolis goes home from work many cats show up from no where to greet him.

Nera

August-December 2010 - A sea captain who leaves in Naxos keeps dozens of sick and malnourished cats in the garden of his house in Nera, Amorgos. They are affected by the worst kind of infections. On August 21, 2010 we visited the premises with Dr. Vassalakis and started treating them for parasites. In November Dr. Despoti continued the program vaccinating and sterilizing them. Unfortunately one very sick kitten could not be saved.

A Government-Issued Decree Regarding Animal Welfare

Memo

Sept 2010 — In August 2010, an important document from the Office of Public Safety was circulated to the local agencies requiring the local police departments to take seriously the complaints of animal abuses or death they receive from individuals and groups. It appears that the Greek government is becoming aware of the negative press the country is receiving in response to the treatment of animals that is being witnessed by Greeks and tourists alike and commands that the local agencies take immediate action by investigating and enforcing the law.

It is significant that the official line is now to cooperate with animal rights groups such as our. It certainly helps when we have the Mayor on our side and joining our efforts.

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Eye Infections

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Gris

Gris

Fall 2010 - Widespread throughout the island, eye infections have caused the loss of one, sometimes both eyes in many cats. The problem could be partially solved by treating new born kittens and vaccinating them as soon as possible. Unfortunately there are far to many cats in the island, often leaving in locations that are hard to be reached.  Furthermore, many people don't know how to handle these cases. We are studying ways to prevent the sperading of infectious deaseases and their transmission  from parents to offspring. Also, we are educating cat owners about it.

Another Unfortunate Dog in Our Care

Baloo

Oct 2010—One day in May, near the area we call “The Rubbish Dump,” a young, frightened dog appeared, chained to the wall where a local goatherd keeps some of his dogs. We named this new dog Baloo, after the lovable gray bear in “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling. He was left there without shelter and insufficient food and water, and so he became one of the dogs in our care. Although there have been many reports and complaints filed against the owner by visitors who were appalled by Baloo’s living conditions, so far no action has been taken.

In the summer, Baloo was moved to another wall at a deep pit below the road, where he was meant to bark at the goats or sheep whenever they would come close to the road. Fortunately for Baloo, he is visited by Lamia, co-founder the new local animal society, who gives him food and water and takes him on a walk every other day. He has also been given vaccines and anti-parasitic medicine. Happily, he has visibly improved under her attention and care. Our work is not done until dogs are free from this kind of abusive neglect.

Vressí

Vressi

Oct 2010 — In July 2010, the dog we now call Vressí (which means “hey you”) fell into the hands of a goatherd who is known for neglecting his animals. Vressi was originally owned by another local shepherd who used him to drive cattle, but this shepherd died unexpectedly in the summer and the dog was inherited by the goatherd. Thus Vressi had to adjust to living on a chain all day, all alone, hardly noticed by the passing traffic. During the high season, tourists would stop at the sight of the poor dog and share with him something to eat or drink. Vressi welcomes the daily visits from a volunteer. He has been wormed and vaccinated and is currently under the watchful eye of the local animal society.

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Abandoned Puppies

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Kouros
Zo

Oct 2010 — In September, three tiny puppies were found, abandoned in a parking lot in Katapola. Members of PMAA, the new animal society, took them in and are caring for them. Our new vet Dr. Despoti has given them a check-up and will be vaccinating them as soon as they are ready for them. We would like to find homes for them as soon as possible. In fact, one already has been adopted to someone on Amorgos. The other two (pictured below) will be listed for adoption with our friends in Holland. If all goes well, we hope we will soon be filling out passport applications for the pups to travel to their permanent homes!

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Bios and His Mother

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Bios when he first arrived

Bios and his mother

Bios and his mother

August-September 2010 - During the month of August Bios' mother brought him to the garden of Animal Society co-founder Manolis and left him there. Bios needed immediate attention: swollen belly, infected eyes, parasites, etc. His mother comes back daily to check on him and play with him. One eye was saved and his general welfare is improved immensely.