A Program of the Cyclades Preservation Fund in partnership with:
Αλκυόνη – Aegean Wildlife Hospital
Naxos Wildlife Protection Association
MOm-Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of Monk Seals
ARION-Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center
In mid November 2025 two wildlife rescue training sessions took place, one in Astypalaia and one in Ios. The trainings were accompanied by meetings with the wonderful local communities, associations, and authorities to facilitate volunteering and cooperation for rescuing Aegean wildlife!
ASTYPALAIA
The Cyclades Care for Wildlife program traveled first to Astypalaia with representatives from MOm-Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of Monk Seals and ARION-Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Center to demonstrate rescue techniques for the Mediterranean monk seal and Cetaceans of the Aegean. Astypalaia hosts important marine mammals, due to its underwater geomorphology and location. Our partner scientists answered participants’ questions and discussed previous cetacean strandings in Astypalaia as useful examples.
In meetings with the Port Authority, Municipality of Astypalaia, Police, and Civil Protection Volunteers Association we discussed the role of each agency during stranding incidents. A seal transport box was donated to the Astypalaia Port Station for safely transporting injured animals.
IOS
Our second stop was Ios, where representatives of Naxos Wildlife Protection Association and Alkioni – Aegean Wildlife Hospital presented rescue techniques for sea turtles and wild birds – both frequent residents of the island. The local community’s attendance, along with authorities and associations, was moving, showing their great willingness to help the island’s wildlife through ongoing voluntary action. During our meeting with the Ios Port Authority we provided them with a sea turtle transport box for cases of turtle injuries.
Our sincere thanks to the Municipality of Astypalaia, the Municipality of Ios, the “Pardalos Katsiki” association in Astypalaia, and the Save Ios association in Ios, for supporting the educational events and meetings, and for their substantial commitment to protect Aegean wildlife! As well as the respective port authorities in Astypalaia and Ios, and all participants who made a difference with their presence!
Learn more on the CYCLADES CARE FOR WILDLIFE program page
