MPO Pelargos

PELARGOS - Together We Protect Greek Wildlife

Wildlife Conservation

PELARGOS, an independent non-profit civil company, was created in 2011 by the founder and owner of Attica Park J.J.L., and the Park’s co-owner at the time Rudy Rallis (who still heads this non-profit partnership), as a vehicle for the protection and conservation of Greek wildlife. Since its creation PELARGOS has already carried out a number of important projects in this field, in collaboration with some of the most respected and recognizable entities in the Greek Conservation establishment.

Until recently PELARGOS was financed only by Attica Park’s contributions, as dictated by the charter of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) of which Attica Park is an accredited member. More recently Pelargos has also gone ahead with initiatives financed by third parties such as, the Niarchos Foundation, the Green Fund of the Ministry of Environment, individuals and corporations.

Apart from the financial support it offers, Attica Park also provides substantial help through its scientific knowledge, its international relations with recognized scientists, and mostly through the work and dedicated support of its staff.

The goal of PELARGOS is to be a catalyst of as many as possible actions,

for the benefit of the unique Greek Wildlife.

Programme for the Pylos Chamaeleon

The Greek Herpetological Society, in cooperation with “Pelargos”, are implementing a conservation and breeding program in controlled conditions for the critically endangered Greek Chameleon species Chamaeleo Αfricanus, which is found only in Pylos, in the Peloponnese and nowhere else in Europe. The program aims to create a safety population of the species, in order to prevent its extinction.

The program is an initiative of Attica Zoological Park and started in March 2014 in off-exhibit areas of our Park.

MOm - First Aid Station for the Mediterranean Monk Seal

MOm’s First Aid Station in Athens was created and fully equipped on the premises of Attica Zoological Park, with the full financial support of “Pelargos”. Seals, mostly young ones, which are lost from their mothers due to weather conditions, can be nursed back to health in this Station, for reintroduction in the National Marine Park of the Sporades.

April 2015. After 5 months of being cared in MOm’s First Aid station, Andriana was released into the wild.

November 2016. Little Bill who eas rehabilitated for a period of 4 months in the new Mom Rehabilitation Station in our Park, was released into the National Park of Alonnisos. Watch the video here.

October 2017. Little Ionas who was found at Mykonos, was released in N. Sporades in January 2018.

September 2018. Little Kostis who was found at Folegandros was released in N. Sporades in February 2019.

September 2019. Lena and Nicol were found at Argolida and N. Evoia and were released in Gyaros.

October 2021. Evi who was found in N. Evia, she was released in Gyaros in February 2022.

ANIMA – Association for the Protection and Welfare of Wildlife

“Pelargos” cooperates with ANIMA for the care and release back into the wild of injured animals. Attica Zoological Park provides ANIMA, within its premises, with suitable care conditions, veterinary monitoring and care, as well as specialized dietary needs and financial support. Furthermore, whenever requested, we provide the necessary equipment for digital monitoring of animals after their release.

November 2014. After 5 weeks of rehabilitation in our premises, a jackal’s release in the protected area of the Moustou wetland.

June 2014. Ringing of Griffon vultures, whick were cared for in our Park, are being prepared for release into the wild.

January 2016. Reitroduction of a white pelican at Kerkini Lake.

November 2016. Reintroduction of wader birds at Messolongi Lagoon.

November 2018. Reintroduction of Griffon vultures at Lasithi Range in Crete

ARCHELON: Procurement of the dietary needs of Caretta caretta sea turtles, which are rehabilitated in the First Aid Station of Archelon in Glyfada, Attica.

Bird Ringing

Volunteer participation and help in bird ringing of migratory birds around Greece, under the supervision of specialized members of the Hellenic Ornithological Society.