In Spring 2026, a group of vultures rescued during the scorching summer heatwave of 2025 were finally returned to the skies where they belong.
Thanks to the dedicated work of the team at Alkyoni Aegean Wildlife Hospital, a wonderful rescue and rehabilitation centre for wildlife based on the island of Paros, 18 vultures – 16 griffon vultures and 2 black vultures – were rehabilitated over many months of careful treatment and monitoring.
Animal Action Greece was proud to support this effort in November 2025, contributing €500 through funding provided by Aktionsgemeinschaft Artenschutz (AGA).
While this represented just a small part of the overall cost, it helped provide essential food and care during a critical period in the birds’ recovery.
Vultures face increasing challenges in the wild. Rising temperatures and prolonged drought, linked to climate change, are placing growing pressure on wildlife across Greece. Species like Griffon Vultures, which rely on regular access to water, are particularly vulnerable. In recent years, more birds have been found dehydrated, exhausted, or in distress, sometimes even falling into the sea in search of relief.
At wildlife rehabilitation centres like Alkyoni, rescued birds are given the time and care they need to recover. For many, this means months of rehabilitation before they are strong enough to return to the wild.
This Spring, that moment finally came. The vultures were released in Crete and Naxos, taking their first flight back to freedom after months in care.
While not all birds can be released, two Black Vultures remain in long-term care due to permanent injuries, the successful return of the others is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, expertise and compassion.
We are incredibly grateful to the teams and individuals who made this possible, and proud to have played a small part in giving these birds a second chance.
