From urban expansion and pollution to habitat destruction and the devastating impact of the climate crisis, not least the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, Greece’s rich natural heritage is under threat. Addressing these challenges and safeguarding the country’s environment and biodiversity requires commitment, expertise, and collaboration across society.

Here, Business Partners reached out to Maria Ganoti, Founder and Director of Anima – Hellenic Wildlife Care Association, one of the nonprofits at the heart of this effort, to learn more about Anima’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work, the evolving challenges of wildlife conservation, and how individuals and businesses can contribute to protecting Greece’s rich biodiversity.

 

Anima is among a handful of organizations leading wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts in Greece. Tell us a little about the scale of your work and how this has changed over the years.

Anima marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, and just between May and July this year, we received and cared for 6,163 wild animals. Admissions have surged dramatically over the past four years, forcing us to expand on every level—more space, more enclosures, more caretakers. A permanent wildlife veterinarian has joined our team, and we are now seeking resources to add a second one.

 

Extreme heatwave and wildfire seasons in recent years have resulted in greater numbers of wild animals in need of rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation. How has Anima adapted its rescue protocols to deal with wildfire emergencies?

Heatwaves are now starting earlier, as soon as May, and lasting longer, colliding with the breeding season of many species. That’s why we’re seeing hundreds of chicks prematurely leap from their nests, especially on tall buildings, in a desperate attempt to escape the heat. Meanwhile, in drought-stricken areas such as Crete, dehydrated raptors are collapsing from exhaustion.

Our work in biodiversity conservation is essential for both human survival and mental health

During wildfires, our volunteers rescue dozens of animals directly from the field, mainly tortoises and other reptiles. We’ve built a nationwide volunteer network trained with detailed first-aid guidelines. And specifically for fires, we’ve created a dedicated rescue unit, in partnership with the nonprofit volunteer organization Save Your Hood. This team goes into the fire zones, collects injured wildlife, and provides hydration and care even within the burned landscape.

 

As a nonprofit that relies heavily on public support and volunteerism, how important is private-sector engagement to your mission?

Foundations remain key allies, and we’ve established close ties with some of those active in Greece. But the area of corporate responsibility is still underdeveloped for us—we are only now beginning to tap into it. We believe businesses will be the future of our financial sustainability because their support usually comes as unrestricted funding. Unlike project-based grants, this kind of support covers essential operational costs, which are the hardest to secure.

 

Anima cares for thousands of animals every year, and the numbers keep growing. How do you meet growing demands when working with just a small core team and limited resources?

Anima has managed to stay open 365 days a year, responding to calls at least 18 hours a day. We never set limits on the animals we accept. From sparrows to eagles, lizards and hedgehogs to foxes, jackals and even deer, we care for them all with the same dedication.

But this gets harder every year. Rising food and energy costs, combined with the public’s own financial struggles, make it difficult to rely on large donations. That’s why we need stronger state support and greater corporate involvement. What we do is not just wildlife rescue—it’s a social service, giving thousands of people each year somewhere to turn when they find an injured animal. Beyond that, our work in biodiversity conservation is essential for both human survival and mental health. And through our scientific research, we contribute to the One Health framework, which is gaining momentum worldwide.

 

What does true sustainability mean to you, and how can each of us, as individuals, businesses, or communities, actively contribute to protecting the environment and biodiversity in Greece?

Sustainability starts at an individual level—minimizing the footprint we leave on nature. That can mean how we manage our waste, how and where we build our homes, what chemicals we put on our fields, and even the food choices we make.

But it doesn’t end there. Everyone can actively support biodiversity conservation, whether by donating or volunteering. This is what allows organizations like ours to continue their vital, demanding work to protect Greece’s natural heritage.

 

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ANIMA

Hellenic Wildlife Care Association

 

Founded in 2005, Anima – Hellenic Wildlife Care Association is one of the key organizations dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of wildlife in Greece. Based in Attica, Anima takes in animals from all over the country, caring for more than 7,000 birds, mammals, and reptiles annually, including many rare and endangered species. The association’s facilities include a first aid station in Kallithea, a wildlife care center in Saronikos, and a two-acre unit in the woods at Diomedes Botanical Garden in Haidari.

 

Over 20 years of working to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife and conserve biodiversity, Anima has

cared for 83542 wild animals

helped an impressive 372 species

worked with 2050 volunteers

offered educational programs to 48790 students

 

Find out more at wild-anima.gr.