A SHORT HISTORY OF WILDLIFE REHABILITATION IN GREECE 

In 1984, a small group of university students in Thessaloniki undertook the first attempts to treat injured or sick wild animals, introducing the concept of wildlife rehabilitation in the country. Most of the animals then were rescued from the city zoo, where they had been abandoned by the public and the almost non-existent zoo staff could not provide any treatment at all. The only other alternative than giving them to the zoo would have been stuffing them for illegal private collections.

Very soon the Centre become an organised group of volunteers and began co-operating with the Hellenic Ornithological Society. The number of animals increased as the activity became widely known. 

For several years, wildlife rehabilitation, was part of the activities of the HOS, mainly in Thessaloniki, where an out of use industrial building was used as conditioning area for the large birds. In 1990, the Hellenic Wildlife Hospital became an independent non profit organization established by the same people who were working from the initial stages. However it continues to cooperate closely with the Hellenic Ornthological Society in coordinating action on conservation and scientific issues.

Today, the hospital s main facility is on the island of Aegina where a former prison house has been used as treatment/rehabilitation area, along with a family home of one of the Hospital members. A network first aid stations, volunteers, organizations, local contacts all over Greece has been established to help provide better care for wildlife throughout the country and avoid unnecessary transportation of animals to Aegina. 

It is the first wildlife rehabilitation centre in Greece and the first to obtain an official permission from the Greek state to possess, treat and release all species of indigenous wildlife. 

More than 15.000 animals have been treated up to now, and over half of them have been released into the wild, thus given a second chance to survive. 

In 1992 the H.W.H. was granted the Athens Academy Award in recognition of its contribution to wildlife protection in Greece, and the significant role it has played for the sensitisation of the public. Hundreds of young people have taken part in its activities all over the country learning about wildlife and helping protection. Also, many volunteers gain an unforgettable experience, by working with the animals. 

From 1991 to 2000 H.W.H. has co-operated with the Centre for Treatment of Dependent People contributing thus to the rehabilitation of former drug-dependent people. Members of the Centre regularly took part in the activities of the HWH either on Aegina or in the rest of Greece. 

It has also co-operated closely with all Non Governmental Organizations in Greece, in particular those who have undertaken similar rehabilitation projects, but specialised for certain threatened species (Sea Turtles, Seals, Bears, etc.). Also cooperated with state authorities for wildlife issues. 

Recently a cooperation network of Wildlife rehabilitation Centers in the Balkan Countries has been created with the initiative of the WHW. 

The HWC is an active member of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC), a scientific organization which provides rehabilitators with the most recent information and research results through congresses, seminars, literature production and on-line help. 

This year, the EU/Prefecture of Pireus project to build new facilities which will house the H.W.H is almost complete and the purpose built new modern facility will be in use by summer 2001, not only providing the necessary space for the increasing case load, but also infra-structure for educational projects and events. 

All of the Hospital's activities are based on voluntary work, donations and membership contributions. Funding and sponsorship has always proved a very difficult task in Greece and remains of the constant threats for the survival of such a Hospital in Greece. 

In spite of these difficulties, the H.W.H will persist, thanks to the determination of its members and volunteers. As Greece is one of the most important areas for the conservation of wildlife diversity in Europe and, also one of the most threatened, due to uncontrollable shooting and habitat destruction, the importance of Wildlife Rehabilitation is manifold: to save as many animals as possible, educate the public, and collect data in order to obtain a clear picture of the threats and increase the release success rate.

ABOUT THE ANIMALS 

The most common species dealt with at the H.W.H. is the European Buzzard, of which 500-700 are treated every year, most of them are victims of illegal shooting. Many threatened species are regularly dealt with such as Pelicans, Storks and Herons, Imperial and Golden Eagles, Ospreys, Flamingos, Vultures etc. The most common mammal is the Red Fox (20-30 per year), followed by the Hedgehog. Wolves and Bears have also been treated as well as Jackals which have become almost extinct due to poisoning and the loss of their natural lowland habitat. Also several reptiles are treated, most of which tortoises, but also threatened species such as the Chameleon. 

The usual wounds encountered in birds are wing fractures from shot pellets. Accidents also occur, mostly from collisions with cars (Mammals, many Owls, nightjars) or power lines (Storks, Eagle Owls, Vultures). Birds of prey sometimes are often found poisoned by baits set out (illegally) to kill off wolves and foxes and an increasing number of birds are poisoned by insecticides and other toxic chemicals.

All indigenous species of birds, mammals and reptiles are accepted and treated regardless of their rarity. The Hospital keeps disabled animals for educational purposes, possible reproduction and also, very often, to aid new arrivals overcome shock or become foster parents. Their presence (a familiar element in otherwise strange surroundings) appeases stress and helps newly injured animals adapt during their treatment without becoming dependent on humans. This is particularly valuable for social species such as Pelicans, Swans, Flamingo s, various waders and small birds. Pelicans, for example will become very tame if they don't have the company of other Pelicans. Flamingo s usually die when alone but thrive when kept in groups.

EDUCATION, INFORMATION OF PUBLIC 

The HWH regularly conducts environmental education projects for schools, publishes a quarterly Journal, and maintains this web site, where the public may find all information concerning wildlife rehabilitation in Greece. Also through regular use of the media informs the general public about all kinds of wildlife problems aiming to prevent them.

Also, local people and local authorities are always invited to participate in release events thus gradually achieving a better level of environmental consciousness in Greece.