Mitsos the donkey

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!!

Update on Feevos

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.

A very special volunteer

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.

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!

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.

Baby Monk Seal

September 2021—On Sunday, 19th of September, a newborn baby monk seal of the protected species monachus-monachus was found at the port of Katapola. Our program coordinator Litsa Passari immediately informed the port police and came in contact with MOm (non-profit company for the research and protection of the Mediterranean seal monachus-monachus) in order the specialist to tell us what to do. The people of MOm told us not try to catch it and not give anything to eat but to monitor the baby for 24 hours and keep people in distance to let the mother, if she was around, to be able to find her. The presence of many people around the baby would prevent the mother from approaching and could also prevent the baby from coming out of the sea in order to rest.

The baby was female, only few days old and she was fed only through breastfeeding so the need for finding her mum was very urgent. Baby monk seals do not stay in the sea for long. They are born in caves where they remain until they grow and become stronger and then they venture out to the open sea. This baby was afraid of people so she was forced to swim longer than usual, with result of becoming weaker and weaker, so we needed to act immediately.

We asked the help of volunteers to make shifts of two people per shift in order to monitor the baby around the port until the next day. Our role was to keep people away, from those who were just curious to other who wanted to take photos up close. We asked them to keep some distance in order to give her a chance to sleep on the beach or on the rocks. Later in the evening, the baby reached a remote, protected beach far from people so we hoped that due to the lack of people she was able to get some sleep and eventually would be reunited with her mom. The next morning she was gone. We searched all over for her the next few days and still no sign of her. So we hope that she was able to find her mother and they are together now.

Update on Mayia

June 2021—Mayia was abandoned about a year ago along with another dog in the Kolofana area. It took us several months to catch her as she was literally scared of people. See her full story here: https://www.animal-zone.org/news/2021/1/12/mayia

It only took her a few days to adore the man who cared for her and to reveal her funny and sweet character. But she continues to be cautious and afraid of strangers. Luckily this was not an obstacle for the people who decided to make her a member of their family.

in June, Mayia traveled to her new country and became a Dutch citizen. She lives now in a beautiful house with a family of a mother and two children who already adore her. Mayia (now Maia) is already quite happy and settled in her new environment.

Here is a recent message from her new family:

“Good morning from Holland! It's raining a lot this morning. Maia loves it and the green grass. She slept very well and now feels more relaxed and she wants to play! We are so happy with this little Miss Sunshine! Greetings from rainy Holland.”

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 Joyful Reunion

Last year, in 2020, Kanelos and Feevos were rescued a week apart, taken from their former owners and the miserable conditions in which they lived. Kanelos was tied up on a remote mountain, alone, with only a rusty barrel for a house, and Feevos was kept in a dirty warehouse, not even able to see sunlight. They spent a few months together at our shelter, recovering from their traumatic experiences, and in a relatively short time, both were adopted in the Netherlands by two amazing families.

We had informed both families about our suspicion that the two dogs were possibly brothers — as they had belonged to two brothers, are very similar to each other, are the same age, and they got along well at our Center. We thought it would be nice to schedule, if possible, a playdate for the dogs once they were settled in their new homes. And two days ago it happened.

Feevos and Kanelos, after about a year of separation, had a joyous reunion. From the moment they recognized each other they played and ran for two hours straight, in complete bliss. Seeing the photos documenting this jubilant reunion made us very, very happy and strengthens our resolve to fulfill our mission of rescuing abused and neglected animals and give them a full, happy life instead.

Spay/Neuter Program Spring 2021

The Spring sterilization program was completed successfully. A total of 145 stray cats (81 female and 64 male) were spay/neutered from all the villages of Amorgos, as well as 2 male dogs from AZI's shelter.

The program was made in collaboration with the Municipality of Amorgos, Animal Zone International, and Aegean Cats / “We live together” (www.welivetogether.gr).

We would first like to thank our amazing veterinarian Dr. Manolis Vorrisis, the founder of "We live together" (based on the island of Syros) for the uninterrupted support and assistance. Also we offer sincere thanks to the Municipality of Amorgos for the continuous support and perfect cooperation, the veterinarian Dr. Anna-Katerina Bacher who came from Thessaloniki to work for our sterilization program, the local veterinarian Dr. Dimitris Simos for his participation and impeccable cooperation, our Chariklia Psaki who worked eagerly as a veterinarian assistant, our amazing volunteers Giorgos, Anna, Mata, Melina, Lamia, Evangelia, Ventoula, Maria, Sofia, Fani and Alexandros who "plowed the island" and went up and down many stairs in order to collect and release cats as well as to assist in the clinic and of course all the inhabitants of the island who helped each in his own way. Thank you all!

This sterilization program is crucial for both the cats and the residents of the island. Without this effort, the population of cats would explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach the age of reproduction very quickly at 6 months and can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all, and they soon become parasitic and sick, suffering from malnutrition and common infections, and increasing dissatisfaction within the community. When the cat population is under control, we are able to give them proper food and treatments for parasites, so that their overall health improves which reduces their risk of being a nuisance. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved.

Regarding the contradiction which speaks of interference in the nature of the animal, our veterinarian Dr. Manolis Vorrisis points out that “for us, the cat is not a wild animal, but a pet. We intervene because we want her near us. Just as we intervene in our own lives with medical procedures etc. to benefit our health, we also intervene in hers.” To us, it’s clear that it is the right thing to do.

If you agree, please continue to support our efforts to improve the lives of the cats of Amorgos. Make a donation to AZI today. Thank you!

Winter Spay/Neuter Program

NOTICE: An extended sterilization program is being planned for early next year (Jan-Feb 2021), in order to cover more effectively all the villages here in Amorgos. This is an essential program, as we are seeing a rise the illegal use of pesticides to poison cats. This program aims to prevent an overpopulation of cats and thereby protect existing cats from being targeted with poison.

To achieve this we have created a GoGetFunding campaign to raise the amount needed to cover the various and many costs of this program (veterinarian fees, medicines, surgical supplies, etc.). Any help you can offer would be very much appreciated. This work so valuable to maintain the balance of the cats on the island and which ultimately benefits the community here as well.

To donate specifically for the sterilization program, click here: AZI Winter Spay/Neuter Program

We are grateful to our loyal supporters and all who join us in this cause. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Four Kittens

In June, a young girl from Arkesini called our program coordinator, Litsa, and asked for help with four newborn kittens that she had discovered alone in a field. Litsa gave her advice on how to care for them until they could be brought to our Center the next day.

These tiny kittens were only about three weeks old, not yet able to feed themselves, so we began an intensive care program, feeding them every two and a half hours with a baby bottle.  It seemed better for Litsa to care for them at home because of the intensive and time consuming program.

Because Litsa was already caring for two other newborns she asked ten-year-old Melina to come and help with their care.  Melina decided to take all four kittens home with her until they could begin to eat soft food by themselves. After that, Fanis, Croket, Ermina and Nala came back into Litsa’s care where they will remain until we can find loving homes for them.  

Our work on Amorgos is dependent of your donations. Please help us help these innocent creatures and make a contribution today! https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI

A Vet Visit

After the long months of lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Andrianna Alexandropoulou was at last able to come to our Center.

In June, Dr. Alexandropoulou performed many vaccinations on the dogs and cats of our island community, microchips were implanted, health checks were carried out and a number of stray cats with health problems were examined and placed into our care for treatment.

She also managed to neuter four male dogs that are living with us at the Center. We are grateful, as always, for her tremendous work with the animals of our island and we thank her for her generosity and expertise.

Best wishes until our next meeting, Dr. Alexandropoulou!

A Visit from the Veterinarian

We have now completed the winter sterilization program in Amorgos and we want to thank Dr. Andrianna Alexandropoulou for coming to our center to conduct the spaying and neutering of so many of our island strays.

Additionally, Dr. Alexandropoulou performed annual vaccinations on many of the dogs and cats owned by members of our island community. Microchips were implanted, a beautiful rabbit came for a checkup and a number of stray cats with health problems were examined and will now remain in our Center for treatment.

We were fortunate to finally capture a feral cat from Chora who had been suffering for over a year with a rope that he had managed to wrap around his throat. The veterinarian removed the rope, cleaned the wound, gave the cat antibiotics, spayed him and now he is back in his home area with a new lease on life.

Thank you Dr. Andrianna!!!!

Autumn 2019 sterilization program

Our autumn sterilization program took place in November and was a great success. We had hoped to sterilize 100 stray cats but, with the help and dedication of Dr. Andriana Alexandropoulou, we surpassed that goal and sent 121 boys and girls back into the world to live healthy lives without adding to the homeless feline population of our island. 

These cats had come to us from the villages of Amorgos, the areas of Katapola, Kastelopetra, Chora, Skeparnies (Kato Meria) and Aegiali.

All of the cats are in good health and after a recovery period they have all been released back into their native areas. Two kittens, one male and one female, are still with us at our Center due to a few problems that we wanted to clear up before they will be released back into their home areas. 

We want to thank our amazing vet, Dr. Adriana Alexandropoulou, who worked from morning to night with dedication and good spirit and who left us as well with advice for all the sick and wounded cats that we will continue to receive at our center.

 A big vote of thanks goes as well to the Municipality of Amorgos who not only covered the expenses for medical supplies and offered a van and a driver, (Konstantinos Grispos), to transport the cats back and forth from the Aegiali area but also for their continued support. We also thank our amazing volunteers who worked hard in order to collect and transport the cats as well as to assist at the clinic during the surgeries. We thank our donors and especially our president, Paola Mieli, who covered the salary and travel for Dr. Alexandropoulou.

 We thank those who help us to continue this most important work.

Without all of you we would not have made it....

We have renewed our appointment for February!!!

Mata and Marianna, our amazing volunteers who always help in our sterilization programs

Vice Mayor Gostas Grispos, always present when we needed him and Litsa Passari, local program coordinator

Dr. Anna Alexandropoulou

Dr. Anna Alexandropoulou

Beatrice Rock, active volunteer and supporter of AZI

Chariklia Psaki, active volunteer and vet assistant

Anna and her daughter Melina, active volunteers always present in our programs

DIALOGUES: Cruelty towards Animals

Animal Zone's director in Greece Pepi Gavala was invited by Stavros Niarchos Foundation to the DIALOGUES event on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 . The topic was CRUELTY towards animals. Cases of animal cruelty and abandonment, organized crime, illegal activities, and how abusive behaviors are ultimately a reflection of our society were the main topics of discussion at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s (SNF) October DIALOGUES.

Mrs. Gavala participated in the discussion and presented our work in Amorgos, mentioning the particularities of small communities and the way we try to fight animal abuse on the island. “The horrible living conditions of animals are a huge disgrace that affects tourism. In recent years, incidents become known instantly everywhere via social media. But the particularities of small, close-knit communities make it hard to file official complaints.”

Animal Zone International would like to thank Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the journalist Mrs. Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou for the invitation and the opportunity we had to present the problems of Amorgos and the efforts of our organization that are already making a difference on the island.

Photo credits: Marilena Katsini

https://www.snf.org/en/initiatives/snf-dialogues/dialogues-animal-welfare-october-2019/

Photo credit: Marilena Katsini

Photo credit: Marilena Katsini

Our Seasonal Sterilization Program

Our goal for sterilization was set at sixty stray cats with a maximum of seventy, but, with the brilliant help and dedication of Dr. Manolis Vorisis, we managed to sterilize 48 females and 34 males with a grand total of 82 felines who will now go on to live healthy lives without adding to the homeless cat population of our islands.

For two days, Dr. Vorisis was aided in his work by the generosity of Dr. Anna Alexandopoulou, a veterinarian who came to us from Syros and kindly volunteered her help in this crucial program.

The cats came from all the villages of Amorgos—the areas of Katapola, Kastelopetra, Chora, Kato Meria and Aegiali (Langada). They are now in good health and after a recovery period they have all been released back into their native areas. One small female is still with us due to a wound that we are treating but she will also be released into her home area of Langada.

We want to thank our amazing vets, the scientific officer of our clinic, Dr. Manolis Vorisis who repeatedly helps us not only with these surgeries but also with advice and help for the wounded and sick cats that we continue to receive at our Center. We thank Dr. Anna Alexandropoulou who worked alongside Dr. Vorisis during those two challenging days. Doctors Vorisis and Alexnadropoulou do all of this from the goodness of their hearts and we thank the hotel Minoa for hosting them during this time.

As well, we thank the wonderful volunteer who came from Canada to assist us and we thank all of our local volunteers as well as the Municipality of Amorgos who covered the expenses for medical supplies. We thank them for their continued help in our project and we also want to thank all of our donors who help us continue this most important work.

We have renewed our appointment for the spring!!!

The Municipality of Amorgos

Animal Zone International is happy to announce that the Municipality of Amorgos has responded to our plea for help in feeding the stray animals of our island.

Our Center is struggling financially due to the overwhelming need of homeless animals and through the generosity of our municipal leaders as well as through the subsidies coming from the European Union, we are able, for the next four months, to feed our strays and to give them the medical care they need.

The municipality of Amorgos has recognized its obligations toward the animals of their island and are helping not only with food but also with medicines and the very important sterilization program that AZI has established.

We offer our gratitude to the Municipality of Amorgos—together we can succeed!!!!

Heracles

Only a few weeks ago, the children of Chora’s kindergarten were grooming and riding dear Heracles but sadly today he is no longer with us.

Heracles was in very good health, living in our equine shelter, and these last years have been joyous ones for this sweet donkey. But Heracles was very old, and, after a long life on the nearby island of Antikeri, a rocky place without permanent residents, Heracles was chosen come to us in order to be a representative of our equines. He was calm and easy-going and his sweet nature made him popular with everyone he met.

We suspect that the great age of Heracles made his passing an easy one, perhaps his heart gave out, and, now, this sweet donkey lives in the neighborhood of the angels.

The Rescue of Three Small Kittens

It is not always easy to tell the stories of our rescues. On the island of Aegiali there was initially a resistance to our sterilization program but we have carried on to great success.

Unfortunately there are still cats who give birth to unwanted kittens and a few days ago three small babies were abandoned in a garbage bin. By grace and good luck they were rescued by a kind man who heard their cries and brought them to our Center. Two small girls and one small boy are now safe and healthy and living in a foster home.

When they are strong and old enough to eat by themselves they will be available for adoption. Their little lives have now been saved and we wish for each one of them a safe and loving home.