The Mediterranean monk seal "monachus monachus", one of the most endangered species in Europe, lives on the costs of Milos and on the nearby island of Kimolos. Going around these islands you may be lucky to see one of the few hundreds animals still surviving. The Monk Seal is about 2.5 m. long and weights around 300 kilos. Its skin is covered by short shiny hair in striking black or brown hues on its back, with lighter colors on its underside. Reproduction takes 10 months, and the animal feeds on a variety of fish, octopus and squids. For this reason the seal has been and still is in competition with fisherman, who often cause its death. An organization, MOM, (e-mail: mom@eexi.gr) has an efficient team to prevent extinction, and surely needs help. See also the EU Natura 2000 project. Visit the island of Kimolos.

Milos Friends of the Animals

Milos Friends of the Animals was started in l987. The main aim of our group is to help stray animals in Milos who still suffer. We also try to help and advise owners of domestic animals if asked. Whilst much press is given to the more exotic animals that inhabit this area such as dolphins, monk seals, wild goats and sea turtles, these more everyday animals are not given much recognition.
We are a non-profit organization that relies solely on donations and volunteer work. Stray dogs and cats are given free therapy whilst a small charge is made when domestic animals are treated. We also operate a winter feeding program in some areas where colonies of cats remain after visitors have gone home.

The reason Milos Friends of the Animals was found was initially for the plight of stray cats in Pollonia. However, since then we have helped cats, dogs, mules, donkeys and birds and hopefully given many a longer and happier life. Of course on many occasions people find abandoned animals. We cannot offer to take in these strays, as we have no facilities to do so however, we always will try to advise on what can possibly be done to help.
In the past we have assisted the police in rescues and on one occasion we even traced a stolen cat and returned him to his owner! S and B Mineral Mining Co. have also had many of the stray colonies of cats around their factory sterilized.

One more of our activities is to organise neutering programmes and vet's visits on Milos. As anyone who has visited Greece will know, many of the strays are tame and easy to catch for neutering. Others, however, are quite a different story and require traps, expertise and a great deal of patience! But we (nearly always) get there in the end.
Neutered animals are healthier; they fight less and can concentrate on looking after themselves without having to fight for territory or struggle to bring up their young on the street. Neutering puts an end to many unwanted animals being born only to die from disease, starvation or poisoning.
By the end of 2OO4 we had neutered nearly 6OO cats and dogs and cared for many more, some of whom have been adopted and given good homes in Greece and abroad.
We have had visits supported by: The Violet Davie Animal Nursing Home in Sussex England (through Hellenic Animal Welfare Athens). Visits have also been made by The Greek Animal Welfare, London- England and The Friends of the Cats, Athens.

We continue to try to raise the status of these animals that man domesticated thousands of years ago. We hope you’ll agree they deserve a little help and respect.

We are a non profit charity in association with G.A.W.F. ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΤΑΜΕΙΟ ΜΕΡΙΜΝΑΣ ΖΩΩΝ a registered charity in Greece number 881216.

For information and donation: axcar@otenet.gr