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Wildlife Hospital

Placement number:  0041
Location: Greece 
Preferred Languages: English
Date: Anytime, but Winter help is needed more.
Minimum Period: 20 days

This wildlife hospital is a non-governmental organization founded in 1990. It is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Greece and southern Europeand is dedicated to:

·          Treatment, rehabilitation and release of all species of wildlife indigenous to Greece.

·          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

-The 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.

Through its action the hospital 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 Aigina and all over the country learning about wildlife and contributing to protection and care. Also, many volunteers gain an unforgettable experience by working with the animals.

-The 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 Turkey.

- The Wildlife Hospital 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.

- The Wildlife Hospital regularly conducts environmental education projects for schools, publishes a quarterly Journal and  through regular use of the media informs the public about wildlife problems.

Role of Volunteer

 

Aid in daily care and maintenance of wild animals.  Cleaning of outdoor and indoor cages, food preparation, feeding and watering, maintenance and construction work, help in treatments, work in the information booth on Aigina Island.

Good training opportunities for veterinarian, biology or administration students or graduates.

Cost

Food                        Free

Accommodation       Free

 

Travel

Fly to Athens then by ferry to Aigina from Piraeus.  We will organise a pick up from Aigina Harbour.

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