The recent incident involving a seal pup that was found on Lipsi island and was transferred to the Attica Zoological Park outside of Athens, after many hours of transportation (initially by inflatable boat to Leros, with the valuable assistance of a veterinarian from Leros, and then by passenger ferry to Piraeus and by road to the Attica Zoo, where the Seal Rehabilitation Center is located) brings up serious questions concerning the framework, processes and infrastructure for the marine species rehabilitation in Greece.

In this particular incident, researchers from the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation responded immediately on site, following notification from residents of Lipsi. In accordance with the procedure in place, they subsequently informed MOm and arranged for the transfer of the seal pup. This was done despite the fact that, in our assessment and based on international experience, more time should have been allowed to enable a possible reunification with its mother, provided that first aid and appropriate on-site care were offered. It is noted that adult seals were observed in the area, both by Archipelagos’ researchers and by local residents.

However, our adherence to the procedures in place  in no way signifies agreement with the situation that continues to be perpetuated in Greece concerning the rehabilitation of marine species.

In light of this incident, many questions arise:

• Why is it considered normal and acceptable for wild animals (marine or terrestrial) in need of rehabilitation to be subjected to lengthy and frightening journeys, with the intense stress caused by being removed from their natural environment and confined to a box, transported through areas of heavy human disturbance, for the convenience of those providing care? In most cases, they travel unaccompanied on passenger ferries or in vehicles, or even in car trunks, crossing the country in order to end up in Athens or, even worse, in a zoo.
  When even basic on-site care is available, the chances of survival and successful release or reintegration increase dramatically.

• Why is it still considered acceptable, after decades during which little has changed for the better in this field, that the rehabilitation of wild animals should take place in Athens, far from the natural environments in which these animals live, for the convenience of a small group of individuals who were self-appointed as the sole experts in Greece? For many years, they have acted as advisers to the relevant state authorities, but also have been creating obstacles for any structure that attempts to operate and provide wildlife rehabilitation outside of Athens.

• Why did the Panhellenic Seal Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center never operate on Alonissos island, where it was constructed at a public cost exceeding 1.5 million euros? It was abandoned immediately after its construction, doors were stolen and now is full of goats, while the only rehabilitation solution proposed was the center of questionable infrastructure located within the Attica Zoological Park, thereby contributing to the moral legitimization of the zoo’s visitors/customers, even as the Attica Park profits at the expense of the wild animals it displays.

It is noteworthy that a recent on-site inspection was carried out at the Monk Seal Rehabilitation Center, within the Attica Zoological Park, in the context of a criminal case that has been initiated ex officio by the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office concerning the conditions of rehabilitation, with the presence of members of the Archipelagos Institute, as requested. Key issues concerning the Mediterranean Monk Seal Rehabilitation Center include:

• Operating in just two containers, situated within an exhibition and entertainment area, surrounded by confined and distressed animals (elephants, giraffes, etc.), strong odors of animal waste, and noise pollution from large numbers of visitors, many of whom are reportedly even directed to look through openings in the containers to observe the seals under rehabilitation. It should be recalled that the Attica Zoological Park exhibits dolphins and seals living under unacceptable conditions in concrete tanks with chlorinated water.

• Presenting a clear conflict of interest, as the chair and a member of the committee to which the Ministry of Environment has entrusted the licensing of rehabilitation centers (including this one) previously served for many years as the scientific director of the same center and is also a collaborator of the Attica Zoo. At the same time, this same committee has for years done everything possible to delay the licensing process of the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary on Lipsi, even going so far as to take an official position against it.

On behalf of the Archipelagos Institute, we must state that our primary priority and purpose is the protection and welfare of wild animals. Beyond any differences or disagreements, we remain open to any collaboration that can contribute to resolving the substantive problems facing wildlife rehabilitation, and especially the rehabilitation of marine species.

However, we cannot accept the perpetuation of a situation that should belong to another era and ultimately places rare species at risk, often leading to mortality, particularly in the case of dolphins, for which rehabilitation cannot be provided without appropriate infrastructure, such as that which has been established on Lipsi.

It is time to recognize the great responsibility we all share in this country for the protection of the unique biodiversity that continues to survive in Greece.

On behalf of the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Thodoris Tsimpidis
t.tsimpidis@archipelago.gr