Stella Koumpiadou
5th cycle – Communications & Networking Manager – ΑΝΙΜΑ
Stella participated in the 5th cycle of the program at ANIMA, taking on the role of Communications & Networking Manager. Her work there brought her into contact with moments and experiences that go beyond everyday urban reality. Some of the wild animals that arrive daily at ANIMA for treatment are so rare that few people have the chance to see them up close.
“I was excited to see rare species such as several griffon vultures, two snake eagles and other raptors including a marsh harrier, a short-eared owl and a saker falcon. At the same time, I had the opportunity to meet and observe the work of specialised scientists, such as a veterinarian specialising in veterinary ophthalmology.”
ANIMA protects, cares for, and releases wild animals, many of which belong to protected, endangered, rare, and species of special interest. The factors leading to the admission of wild animals to ANIMA are very often human-induced. ANIMA contributes to raising environmental awareness among students from schools across Greece through its educational programs (in-person and online). ANIMA’s volunteers, as well as participants in its educational programs and other activities (releases, events, etc.), include people with disabilities, individuals in the process of recovery from addiction, immigrants, and refugees.
In recent years, ANIMA has been providing care and rehabilitation for more than 8,000 wild animals each year, many of which are subsequently released back into their natural habitat. It also employs over 200 volunteers and interns annually. More than 10,000 school students participate in ANIMA’s environmental education programs each school year.
