Greek Wildlife Rescue Group Battles Climate Crisis Casualties

As of September 28th, 2025, the Greek wildlife protection group Anima is facing an overwhelming challenge in caring for the growing number of animals affected by the devastating impacts of climate change. Over the past year, the organization has seen a significant surge in the number of animals requiring their assistance, with admissions reaching record highs.

The primary driver behind this crisis is the changing climate patterns and extreme weather events that have been ravaging Greece. An unusually warm winter was followed by the country's earliest-ever heat wave in June, leading to the closure of schools and popular tourist spots. For wildlife, however, there was no escape from the brutal conditions.

Birds were forced to abandon their nests earlier than usual to avoid being roasted alive, while animals on the island of Crete became poisoned after drinking saltwater from the sea in search of water sources. The hot and dry weather, combined with strong winds, also created the perfect conditions for wildfires to spread, further destroying habitats and displacing wildlife.

According to the data, around 45,000 hectares (111,200 acres) of land have been burned throughout Greece this year, and in just two days in August, 150 new forest fires started across the country. This relentless cycle of extreme weather events and habitat loss has left Anima struggling to keep up with the influx of animals in need of care.

In June and July of this year, the organization admitted 1,586 and 2,125 animals, respectively, a staggering increase from previous years. As Anna Manta, an Anima staff member, stated, "Last year we thought that it was the worst year we had ever seen. ... And then we had June."