***PAROS - ALKYONI - WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Wildlife sanctuary and wild animals' hospital Alkyoni exhibits all the values of volunteerism. All the people there have just given their all for the nature.

I first went to Alkyoni with my daughter, accompanying her to a school excursion. The aim of this excursion was to show the children the facilities and to inspire them with a love of nature. I was moved by the love and the efforts of these people that were obvious in the care they offer to the wild animals who struggle to survive in our materialistic times.

Who was Alkyoni?
The myth of Alkyoni tells us about the divine prudence.
Alkyoni, Aeolos' daughter, was a woman that experienced love. She became so arrogant about this, that she boasted about it to the gods, declaring that she was happier than them. The enraged gods transformed her to a small migratory bird and condemned her to lay her eggs in wintertime, in nests in rocky coasts, unprotected from the rage of nature. The despaired Alkyoni, seeing the waves carrying away the nestlings and the eggs from her nest, begged Zeus to forgive and help her. Therefore, Zeus took pity on her and granted 14 days of good weather every winter, so that she could lay her eggs with safety.

Contemporary Alkyoni is a non-commercial enterprise. It was founded in 1995 and is located in a field that was donated by Logovarda monastery. It is 12.600 square meters and is located in the area Kamares of Paros. 
The goal is the collection, treatment and rehabilitation of wild birds and animals. Alkyoni constitutes a sanctuary for all wild animals that need care and treatment, because of illegal hunting or accidents. It depends solely on the donations and the work of volunteers. Now it is one of the most important centers of wildlife care. The activities of Alkyoni also seek to develop an ecologic consciousness in the Greek society, through lectures and education.

The facilities include a veterinary surgery, a critical care department, a radiography department, an educational hall, rooms for the volunteers, and large enclosed spaces for birds and sea animals. Every year, Alkyoni treats about 200 species of birds and animals that arrive there through volunteers. The enterprise has permanent personnel and 30 first aid stations throughout Greece.

How can I help?
Contact Alkyoni at the telephone 2284022931 or through its webpage www.alkioni.gr

What must I do if I find a wounded wild animal?
In such cases, before we contact Alkyoni, we should know a few basic things that may contribute to the rescue of the animal.

1st step.
Find a paper box large enough for the size of the animal. Open about 20 holes in the sides, so that the animal can breathe. Place on the bottom several newspapers. Seal the paper box and ensure its safe transportation.
2nd step
Throw on the animal a piece of soft cloth. Using great care and caution, immobilize the animal and put it inside the paper box (it must be ready to house the animal). Until help arrives, transfer the animal in a quiet and warm place (not under the sun), away from other pets.
3rd step
The animal must drink water. This must be done correctly and immediately. In a glass with warm water, dilute 1 teaspoonful of sugar and 1/6 teaspoonful salt. With a syringe without needle, give this mixture to the mouth of the animal very slowly, drop by drop. Birds do not need a lot of water. However, wounded or stressed birds do need to drink water immediately, in order to survive. Then the bird must be placed back in the box, in a quiet place. Let it rest there until help arrives.
Finally, call Alkyoni for further details and specifications concerning the immediate transportation of the animal.
For more details concerning the Non-Commercial Enterprise Alkyoni, please contact the following phones 2284022931 (Paros), 2102019922 (Athens) or visit their webpage www.alkioni.gr