Wildlife Rehabilitation in Greece

  Greece

Thessaloniki (Sakonika)

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All year

Description: Volunteering at Hellenic Wildlife Hospital:

Volunteering is a great way to spend some free time doing something out of the ordinary. Many volunteers of all ages from around the world come to the HWH to get an experience of working in close contact with animals and participating in the rehabilitation process. Volunteers at the HWH actively take part in the necessary everyday care of the animals in rehabilitation which includes feeding, cleaning up cages, taking part in adapting cages for new animals. Therefore if you are considering coming to volunteer, you must have in mind that this kind of work does not suit everyone as much as they may love animals; would you go into the raptor cages to change the waters? are you disgusted by having to cut raw chicken, or handling it or by the mere sight of it? will you be devastated for weeks by the sight of an injured animal? There are other tasks too if you do not feel confortable with such a close contact but if there is absolutely no way you could picture yourself doing the previously cited basic duties, then volunteering at HWH may not be for you.

Volunteers work five days a week, two full days (9am-8:30pm), three half days (9am-3pm). On the premises, we have a dormitory with two bedrooms for about sixteen volunteers, two toilets and showers, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and other necessary accommodations. Basic food items (coffee, sugar, oil, vegetables, spaghetti, rice) may be available for free use if economic situation of the Center permits. They need to have their own towels, work clothes and anything else they consider a necessity. The HWH is ten kilometers up in the mountain from the town of Aegina. Our car goes up and down two times a day at least. Otherwise volunteers must go to the town by their own means, hitchhiking, renting scooters or ...by foot. In the town of Aegina, you will find all the necessary shops, internet cafes, book shops, bars, beaches, ancient sites.

Volunteer work schemes operate throughout the year and involve the following:

* Cleaning of outdoor and indoor areas.
* Cleaning of the areas where the animals are treated.
* Food preparation, feeding, changing water bowls.
* Maintenance and construction work.
* Aid in treatments.
* Working in the information booth in the port of Aegina.
* Other special duties depending on experience gained during stay and individual preferences.

The HWH does not offer financial assistance; Volunteers carry the costs of their own transport and food provisions. The volunteers are trained and supervised by a member of staff and the type of work they do is determined according to the current needs. Participation requires insistence and familiarisation as most of the work is carried out under difficult conditions.The use of alcohol or any other intoxicating substances of any description (drugs etc.) is stricly prohibited, as is the keeping of any such substances in the volunteer's personal effects. Any such action constitutes reason for the termination of participation.

Highlights: The Hellenic Wildlife Hospital treats every year from 3000 to 4500 wild animals from all over Greece. Its main premises are on the island of Aigina but it operates also through a vast network of volunteers, collaborating organizations, first aid stations and departments covering the whole country.

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

Many rare and endangered species are treated every year: both species of Pelican, Eleonora Falcons, Lesser Kestrels, Imperial and Spotted Eagles, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Black and White Storks, Herons and Waders.

Cost in US$: none

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Likes to work with wildlife.

Age Range: over 18

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Hellenic Wildlife Hospital's Mission Statement: Hellenic Wildlife Hospital is a non-profit NGO. Is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Greece and SE Europe which takes care about 2000-4000 wild animals every year. HWH is dedicated to: Treatment, rehabilitation and release of all species of wildlife. Education and information of the public on wildlife protection issues. Protection of endangered species. Research on threats to wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation (illegal shooting & trapping, poisoning & pollution, habitat degradation and destruction) and taking preventative action. Cooperation with public authorities, national and international NGO's with similar goals. Many rare and endangered species are treated every year: both species of Pelican, Eleonora Falcons, Lesser Kestrels, Imperial and Spotted Eagles, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Black and White Storks, Herons and Waders. Through its action the HWH completes governmental policy and obligations to protect threatened species and implement international conventions and EC law. 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 from many countries have taken part in its activities in Aegina and all over the Greece learning about wildlife and contributing to protection and care. Also, many volunteers gain an unforgettable experience by working with the animals. The Hellenic Wildlife Hospital has carried out diverse projects on wildlife protection, and also international development aid projects, active mainly in the area of the Balkans and east mediterranean. The HWH is a member of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC), a California based international scientific organization which provides rehabilitators with the most recent information and research results through congresses, seminars, literature production and on-line help.

Year Founded: 1984