Friday , March 29 2024

ANIMA and Volunteer Natasha Kladi help wild animals in Zakynthos.

Wild birds belonging to the protected species are targeted by unscrupulous persons. As a result the numbers of wild animals injured arriving at the facility of ANIMA has increased.

Personal experience.

Recently, involved in trying to save a wild bird injured, a friend of a friend found. I realized that there wasn’t much one knew when it came to protecting or saving wild birds on our Island.

A photo was on Facebook showing the bird. I immediately got messages from people asking if the bird was ok and if they could help in anyway. Luckily, I spoke to Natasha Kladi.  Natasha works for the Hellenic Animal Welfare Society. She gave me some really good information and I thought I should share, just in case someone else may be put in the same position I was.

Illeagal.

First of all trying to keep a wild bird or in this case a bird of prey is illegal. You can actually get fined quite a lot of money and brought before a court of law. For this reason alone if you ever come across a wild bird that needs help, get in touch with the proper authorities or volunteers.

 

In fact, as Natasha Kladi, a volunteer and activist for our wild life here in Zakynthos for over 20 years, complains that over the last 6 months 10 birds had been sent to head office mostly due to shooting injuries. Luckily all had been saved, except for one in the photo below which is now living with other birds at ANIMA.

Volunteers working with the Hunting Association.

She noted that the hunting association work very close with her. While often bring in birds they may have been accidentally shot.  She also stressed that the hunting association do not take lightly their sport. They adhere to the rules and regulations that required. Unfortunately, it is the odd few that do not pay attention to rules or respect their ideas that ruin their efforts.

I must admit,  trying to save our little friend most of the people that offered to help we actually hunters. They were upset that a bird of prey had been hit thoughtlessly. Most commented that they cannot even be eaten, so why? Unfortunately, it is always those who do not respect a particular sport, are those who take down the rest with them. However, in this particular case it was the Hunting Association that came to my rescue and got me in touch with Natasha.

 

Main objects of ANIMA.

One of the main objectives Natasha and of ANIMA, is the nursing and rehabilitation of wild animals in their natural environment. With datum that there is no governmental institution existing in Greece dealing with this matter. ANIMA in collaboration with other organisations deal with the care of wild animals, come to meet a basic need for the protection and maintenance of wild life in the country.

Receiving wild animals from all over Greece. ANIMA nurses in annual base above 4.000 birds, mammals and reptiles. Among these animals many rare threatened and endangered wild animals.

Veterinary care:-

ANIMA collaborates on a stable basis with a veterinarian to carry out all necessary examinations and surgeries. X-rays, as well as specialized operative treatments performed in this context. Four veterinarians participate in the Scientific Committee of ANIMA.

 

As ANIMA receives a large number of phone calls and messages daily. One of its main actions is to provide advice for first aid to citizens and organizations for injured / orphaned wildlife. In addition, it undertakes the training of teams and operators in providing first aid and dealing with emergencies involving wildlife. Also, informs all those who follow the Official Site (in Facebook there are more than 60.000 individuals), for the correct behavior and confrontation of incidents of wounded wildlife nestlings.

More specifically:

Provides advice on First Aids before sending wild animals in the facilities

Guides citizens and organizations on how to handle misguided nestlings in case they are capable to return in their nest and be fed by their parents

Trains organizations and groups of citizens in wildlife care . As well as in more specific matters e.g. recognition and handling of reptiles (in cooperation with the Fire Department)

Trains volunteers and citizens to provide First Aids to wildlife.

If you would like to help ANIMA in their quest to help our wildlife, click on their web site for more. https://www.wild-anima.gr/en/direct-donation/

If you have a wild animal that needs help please contact Natasha

More photos of saved birds and animals, a huge thank you to ANIMA and Natasha Kladi.

 

Today.

Natasha even today sent me a photo of a bird she is trying to save as well. We wish her every succes and hope that like all the birds she has helped this one will fly free once again.

As you can see, ANIMA helps all wild creatures.

About Louise Inzk

Louise is Australian born and has been a Greek citizen since 1991. She has deep cultural ties with the island, often writing about Zakynthian Traditions and Culture. She is also an active member of the Volunteer Group of Zakynthos, Giostra Di Zante and is a member of the women's choir "Rodambelos". Her love of the island and all it offers saw her joining the Zakynthos (Zante) Informer admin team in 2014.

Check Also

Zakynthos Fire alerts; When can I light a BBQ? Is it ok to use fireworks?

Due to the latest in regard to fire alerts, Zakynthos informer has had quite a …

Sahifa Theme License is not validated, Go to the theme options page to validate the license, You need a single license for each domain name.