Wildlife and animal rescue organizations across Greece are issuing urgent appeals for assistance as devastating wildfires continue to ravage the country, displacing thousands of residents and tourists and endangering countless animals.
The blazes have already scorched more than 25,000 acres of forestland on the Greek islands and mainland. Pets have been lost, farm animals trapped, and wild creatures driven from their habitats in what rescuers describe as an unprecedented emergency.
‘Before you evacuate, release your animals, take them with you, help where you can,’ reads a poster by animal welfare group Dog’s Voice.
On Tuesday, non-profit animal welfare group Dog’s Voice deployed a team of volunteers to Patras, where the municipality has opened a reception station for fire-stricken animals at EOT Beach. Rescued pets are transported to clinics through a volunteer network that coordinates field rescues.
“Before you evacuate, release your animals from chains, they cannot free themselves,” urged Marilia Tsopela of Dog’s Voice, speaking to Greece’s public broadcaster ERT. She said that at least 30 animals had already been saved from the Achaia fire, but acknowledged that farm animals often cannot be evacuated due to overcrowding and lack of transport. “All forms of help — hospitality, transportation, or volunteer work — are valuable,” she added.
ANIMA Calls for Help
Photo: Christos Stratoulakos/APOHXOS.GR/Eurokinissi
Meanwhile, ANIMA – the Hellenic Wildlife Care Association warns that hundreds of wild animals face death as flames sweep through forest habitats.
“We are seeing extensive loss of wildlife,” said ANIMA President Maria Ganoti, citing cases of dehydration, smoke inhalation, and electric shocks suffered by disoriented birds and animals. “A huge number of livestock and pets are also dying, and that is very tragic. We often hear reports of ‘no casualties,’ but then discover an entire sheepfold of 300 animals burned. It is heartbreaking.”
Ganoti, who has been rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals for over two decades, stressed the need for evacuation plans for livestock and warned that fires in spring and early summer are particularly destructive due to the existence of newborn animals in nests.
Rescue teams coordinated by ANIMA are operating on Zakynthos, in Patras and other fire-hit regions, continuing their work long after the flames die down, including monitoring burned zones, offering water, and retrieving injured or dead animals.
One of the most painful cases involves turtles, Ganoti explained: “They are burned from the inside after inhaling hot air. Because turtles can survive for up to 15–20 days in this condition, they endure prolonged suffering and often must be euthanized.”
Both Dog’s Voice and ANIMA are urging Greek pet owners to stop chaining their dogs and animals, and for citizens to volunteer, provide shelter, or donate supplies and funds.
Photo: Reuters/Fatos Bytyci
How to Help
Areas in urgent need of support right now: Chios, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Preveza, and Achaia
-Support Animal Action Greece
-Contact Dog’s Voice via messenger or email on info@dogsvoice.gr
-Contact ANIMA on 210 95 10 075 or 697 266 4675 or by email wildlifecare@gmail.com
-In Filippiada, a large space or field is needed to serve as a collection point for the following items: bowls, water, food, crates, diapers, gauzes, and ointments and cleansers for burns (oxygen-safe solution, e.g., Betadine). Vets and transport volunteers are also needed. Call Sotiris Pappas or Katerina Lampraki Aletra on 690-6490726 to find out the exact point where the injured animals will be transported
Earlier this year, Save Your Hood and ANIMA launched the Wildlife Rescue Network (D.I.D.A.Z.), a trained volunteer force of rescuers, veterinarians, and coordinators prepared to respond to disasters.
