HydraArk is a nonprofit animal welfare association based in Hydra. Its activities rely exclusively on the work of its volunteers, membership subscriptions, and donations. Ninety percent of the members of the “Ark” are foreigners, and 10% are Greeks.
All programs of the association are financially subsidized by membership subscriptions and donations. The association does not have an income outside donations. In case of its dissolution, any funds it has raised and equipment it owns will go to the municipality of Hydra, which will have to undertake all the work HydraArk currently does.
All animal welfare associations in the country are voluntary organizations. Proper stray management requires the cooperation of
- the competent authorities, who also have responsibilities and directives and are supervised according to Law;
- animal welfare associations, which can contribute voluntarily;
- society as a whole.
Over the last twelve years or so, the cat-neutering program on Hydra (performed by paid veterinarians) has been organized by HydraArk and subsidized by the Swiss-based Marchig Animal Welfare Trust, Help Animals International, HydraArk, and from 2020 the Hydra municipality.
Any remaining costs (miscellaneous) are fully covered by the Ark, and our members work voluntarily at TNR clinics and all year round.
Report of HydraArk
Cats and TNR
Years ago Hydra was known for its overpopulation of cats as well as for sick kittens with respiratory problems and serious eye infections that resulted in some cases in blindness.
Hydra Ark in recent years has managed to significantly reduce the overpopulation of cats, as well as to improve the overall picture of their health. We have achieved this through neutering programs, in which the average number of cats neutered is 50.
From 2007 to 2014, neutering programs were performed three times a year, and the average number of neutered cats per session was 40 to 50.
In 2010 our volunteers rescued a duck with a broken leg from Kamini. The bird, with the help of the Ark and volunteers of the animal welfare association of Athens, traveled to Paros and specifically to the facilities of the association for the care and protection of wild animals of Alkyoni.
From 2014 to 2019 more than 1,000 cats were spayed. More than 100 were vaccinated, more than 1,000 were dewormed, and more than 30 were given for adoption.
The Ark provided food and water to countless stray cats and helped fellow citizens with their animals whenever asked.
In 2014, in collaboration with the animal-friendly association Ermionidos FASE and with the help of the owners of Hydra Lines, we managed to vaccinate 3 puppies and sterilize their mother in Metochi.
In May 2015, the Hydra Ark made informative visits to the schools and the foreign-language tuition center of our island. The aim of the program was to inform young students about issues related to stray companion animals and especially to cultivate an awareness of animal welfare.
In July 2015, we placed improvised constructions with plastic bags for dog feces in four places on the island, as well as posters with markings for the collection of droppings.
In 2016, 5 dogs of our fellow citizens were neutered as a sign of solidarity and taking into account the financial crisis, since the combined cost of the trip to Athens and the procedure is often prohibitive. Fortunately, we do not have stray dogs on our island.
On April 17, 2016, we took part in the campaign “Let’s Do It Greece,” an environmental effort “adopted” by Greece on the initiative of the Attica Environmental Association “Time for Action” and the Hellenic Solid Waste Management Company, and our volunteers gathered to clean the beach of Palamidas.
In May 2016, an event was organized featuring Emma Baus’s documentary The Nature of Cats for the television station France 2, as well as the presentation of the book by Gabriela Stabler, Hydra—Island of Cats, an internationally renowned wildlife and nature photographer. The documentary and the book contributed to the promotion of our island in Europe and around the world.
In October 2016, we helped Ed Emery and the Free University of Hydra organize the “International Conference on Donkeys and Mules.”
In December 2016, HydraArk purchased a large number of plants and horticultural soil. An area outside the football stadium was cleared and cleaned and the plants planted and watered; a special construction was placed there where the cats can get water and food. The cost was covered exclusively by HydraArk.
In November 2017, special wooden constructions (feeders) were installed in Avlaki, Mandraki, and Vlychos in order to meet the food needs of stray cats for the winter. Also two houses were constructed and placed for the protection of animals from the weather.
In November 2018, special wooden constructions (feeders) were placed in the municipal market and in the port in order to meet the food needs of stray cats for the winter. Also three houses were placed for the protection of animals from the weather in the area of Perivolakia.
Over the weekend of December 1–2, 2018, 43 Hydra cats were neutered and dewormed. Also, 17 cats received dental treatment and underwent treatment for other diseases (polyps, tumors, etc.). A cat from the Avlaki area received help for a puncture wound on the leg from a bite. From the Kamini area, 35 cats were dewormed and 10 were vaccinated. The costs of this program were covered by HydraArk.
Over the weekend of December 8–9, 2018, 57 of Hydra’s cats were neutered and dewormed. This program was funded by the Marchig Fund for Animals.
In November 2019, a feeder was placed in the reservoir area in Kala Pigadia for the cats living there. Also we placed 2 houses for the protection of animals from the weather conditions in two areas.
Over the weekend of November 16–17, 2019, 50 of Hydra’s cats were neutered and dewormed. Also 21 cats received dental treatment and underwent treatment for other diseases (polyps, tumors, etc.). Another 8 received medical assistance, 6 cats had blood tests, and 2 dogs were examined. All cats brought to the session were dewormed.
Over the weekend of November 23–24, 2019, 57 of Hydra’s cats were neutered and dewormed.
In December 2019, in an effort to keep our island clean, we proceeded with the donation of 4 constructions for plastic bags for dog feces in the Municipality. The cost of the constructions was covered by the Ark in the hope that they would be well placed and maintained.
In January 2020, 30 stray cats were vaccinated.
On February 8–9, 2020, 54 of Hydra’s cats were neutered and dewormed; 12 cats received dental treatment and other surgical procedures; 6 received medical assistance. Blood tests were performed for 6 cats. All cats were dewormed.
Two kittens were examined for eye diseases and given medication. Two other kittens came in poor condition. One with a serious problem in the eye and the other with an abscess in the mouth. The kitten with the eye problem was sent to a clinic in Athens where it received the corresponding treatment. The other was hosted by a volunteer and received medication. Both animals did well. The costs of treatment at the clinic were covered by the Ark. Three cats were vaccinated. The expenses were covered by HydraArk.
In May 2020, a stray female dog gave birth to 5 babies: 3 females and 2 males who were lucky and found good, responsible homes. Their transportation, vaccines, deworming, chips, and booklets cost €472.50, covered by the Ark. Ten volunteers, 1 taxi driver, and 1 veterinarian helped with the whole process. We thank them all, especially stray.gr.
On June 27, 2020, 23 Hydra cats were neutered and dewormed. Also, 2 cats received dental treatment and operations for other ailments. The expenses were covered by HydraArk.
On October 24–25, 2020, 38 Hydra cats were neutered and dewormed. Also, 3 cats received dental treatment, and 2 underwent surgery for other diseases (polyps, tumors, etc.). Euthanasia was performed on 2 cats with end-stage cancer. One cat was diagnosed with a benign tumor and would be treated at the vets’ next visit. Two blind kittens received treatment. They were fostered by our volunteer who loved them and finally adopted them! A kitten from Vlychos with a paralyzed hind leg received treatment and was fortunately adopted! In addition
- 3 cats were given first aid and blood was drawn.
- 4 cats were tested for various diseases: 2 from the port, 1 from the stadium, and 1 brought by a fellow citizen and diagnosed with cancer.
- 2 stray cats were brought in by volunteers in poor condition: a female from the Avlaki area, paralyzed and in pain, and a female dehydrated and malnourished from the Perivolakia area. Both cats were sent to a clinic in Athens. The cost of their hospitalization and transportation was covered by the Ark. They returned safe and sound and rejoined their colonies.
Total: 58 strays neutered or treated. All animals were dewormed.
Detailed coverage of expenses for October 24–25,2020:
- Doctors’ fee: Municipality of Hydra
- Doctors’ tickets: HydraArk
- Doctors’ accommodation: HydraArk
- Cleaning and other supplies: HydraArk
- Coffees, doctors’ meals: HydraArk
In January 2021, 25 stray cats were spayed by veterinarian K. Karatheopoulos. The expenses were covered by HydraArk.
From February 26 to March 1, 2021, the Municipality of Hydra brought vets to the island. Part of that program was reserved for neutering stray cats. Our association participated in that portion by offering its equipment and 7 volunteers. Our volunteers brought 25 stray cats from a colony near the rubbish bins for neutering.
On March 6–7, 2021, 50 Hydra cats were neutered and dewormed. Five stray cats were brought in by volunteers in poor condition. All 5 cats were sent to a clinic in Ligourio; 2 from the Kamini area with cancer in the last stage were euthanized, and the other 3 came back healthy. Of these, 2 rejoined their colonies, and 1, a male from the area of Agios Konstantinos, was adopted by our volunteer! Their medical and transportation expenses were covered by HydraArk.
Detailed coverage of expenses March 6–7, 2021:
- Doctor fees: The Marchig Animal Welfare Trust of Geneva and Help Animals International
- Travel expenses: HydraArk
- Doctors’ accommodation: Mr. Antonis Botsis
- Cleaning and other supplies: HydraArk
- Coffees, doctors’ meals: HydraArk.
Equines: Wellness and Well-being
Since 2008 in collaboration with Animal Action, the Ark has organized annual visits of the equine action group, which includes a veterinarian, dentist, and farrier. The island’s equines are checked for dental and other health problems. The farrier, the veterinarian, and the dentist provide care as well as useful tips.
Since 2015 we have been fighting for the installation of special shade canopies in the port and for the construction of two watering troughs for the equines of the island. On July 30, 2019, four large umbrellas were placed in the harbor to provide shade to the equines. The proposal/study that concerns the entire port and includes a permanent shelter for equines is in the final stage and will soon be passed. The building of troughs near the corner where the equines are stationed, as proposed by HydraArk, has been approved unanimously by the Municipality Board, but the Technical Services have not yet sent a relevant study.
Winter Feeding Program for Street Cats
Every year HydraArk organizes and funds a 6-month winter feeding program for stray cats in the island’s various areas. The program for October 2019 to May 2020 was extended until August 10, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. We thank the Municipality of Hydra for providing food for 2 months.
The 2020–2021 program started in October 2020 and will continue until May 2021. If necessary, it will continue throughout the summer. We thank the Municipality of Hydra for providing food in the month of October. We thank Heidi Keller, Doris Jagger, El Soberger, and Gabriella Stabler for kindly donating the amount needed to buy the food that will be used to fill the feeders until the end of May.
In April 2021, due to the lack of a veterinarian on the island, we created a general information first aid brochure. The cost of printing was covered by HydraArk. Also, new wooden structures for water supply (4) and for food supply (3) were placed in various parts of the island.
From May 2021 until December 2021, the stray cat feeding program continued and will continue throughout 2022.
From June 2021 until the end of December 2021, 16 stray cats were sent to a veterinarian for treatment. Unfortunately 2 did not make it.
From August to December 2021, 4 stray cats were adopted from the island. HydraArk helped all 4 times.
- “Fava” from the enclosures was adopted in Antiparos.
- “Kamini” from Mandraki went to England.
- “Kamini” from Avlaki went to England
- “Pipitsa” was adopted from Hydra and is living in Piraeus.
We wish a good life to all!
The Ark will give special weight to adoptions in 2022, since after all these years of hard work, the life of stray cats has improved, the population is under control, and the majority of the animals are healthy and well.
Scheduled sterilizations on December 10 and 11 have been postponed due to a seamen’s strike and will take place in 19 and 20 of February 2022.
In November and December 2021, 2 new wooden food stations and 2 wooden water stations were installed in the areas of Rema Kamini and a playground in Bouaya. 5 houses for protection from the weather were placed in different parts of the island. 12 special cat cages were donated by HydraArk to the Municipality of Hydra.
For the Year 2022:
- 79 cats were sterilized, treated with anti-parasites, microchipped, and registered in the Municipality of Hydra
- 20 cats were sent to a veterinarian for treatment
- 100 cats were treated with anti-parasites
- 4 cats were adopted
- 1 dog was adopted
In 2022 more than 100 cats were treated with anti-parasites thanks to the generous donation of Mrs Monica Taylor.
There were 17 food supply points (feeders) for the stray cats(Kala Pigadia, Angelika Hotel, Perivolakia, Ypapanti, Old Municipal Market, Hydra Museum, AEN Hill, Kountourioti Grove, Avalaki, playground Kamini, Kamini Karafylaki, Rema Kamini, Kourmada, Bouagia playground, Mandraki, Vlychos, football filed).
From November 2021 to November 2022 we provided 4,520 kg of food (226 bags), and from December 2022 to February 2022, 1,836 kg (102 bags).
On 19/2/22 & 22/3/22, HydraArk brought vets to the island. During this session 35 cats were sterilized, dewormed, , treated with antiparasites, electronically marked, and registered with the Municipality of Hydra.
Detailed coverage of expenses for 19/2/22 & 20/2/22
- Physicians’ fee: The Marchig Animal Welfare Trust of Geneva, and Help Animals International.
- Travel expenses: HydraArk
- Papers-Nylon-cleaners etc.: HydraArk
- Doctors’ accommodation: Mrs. Irini Tavladoraki and Mr. Giorgos Voulgaris (Erofili guesthouse)
- Cafes, doctors’ meals: Mr. Yiannis Rappas (Isalos café)
We thank them as well as the Municipality of Hydra for granting space in the old market.
On 5/17/21, Sterling Davis (aka the Trap King) came to our island to trap cats for a TNR session. Neutering was performed on 11 male and 3 female cats as well as tooth extractions and blood tests on another 4. Three cats were transferred to a clinic in Athens by the Let’s Be SMART team.
- One had surgery for a hernia and was sterilized at that time.
- One needed X rays and treatment for on a broken leg.
- One had surgery to extract a ruptured eye and was sterilized.
Their hospitalization expenses were covered by HydraArk. The next day, on May 18, Davis, the Let’s Be SMART team, and the HydraArk team attended an animal charity event at the Hydra Children’s Center for Foreign Languages and Aquatics.
On 11/18/22, 30 stray cats were sterilized, treated with antiparasites, microchipped, and registered in the Municipality of Hydra by veterinarian G. Karatheopoulos and his team. More specifically, 19 female and 11 male cats. Of these, 5 cats came from the Perivolakia area, 3 cats from the Avlaki area, and 22 from Kamini. The cost was €1,266.93 including VAT and was covered by HydraArk. 2 cats in bad condition were transferred to a clinic in Athens. We are happy that both got well and one was adopted! The other went back to her colony. Their hospitalization expenses were covered by HydraArk.
In 2022, 4 new wooden structures for food supply were placed in the areas of Karafylaki Kamini, Kourmada, Ypapanti, and the hill above the AEN school. One weather shelter was placed in Ypapanti. Seventeen wooden structures to provide food in 17 different areas have been installed in recent years!
From December 2021 until July 2022, the stray cat feeding program continued.
As an example, we mention that the cost of food from November 2021 to July 2022 for the structures providing food for stray cats reached €5,857 including VAT.
The program started again on December 1, 2022, and continues until today (March 2023) with the cost of food having reached €4,400 including VAT.
From January 2022 until the end of December 2022, 20 stray cats were sent to a veterinarian for treatment. Their hospitalization expenses were covered by HydraArk.
From August to December 2022, 4 stray cats were adopted from the island. HydraArk helped all 4 times.
- “Hydra” from the hedgerows was adopted in Sweden.
- “Kim” from Koormada went to New York.
- “Oliver” from Kamini went to Athens.
- “Joe” was adopted in America.
In the Fall of 2022, 2 dogs were abandoned on our island. HydraArk made sure they were vaccinated and looked for homes. One of them is still hosted by an animal-loving lady in Hydra, and the other was adopted in collaboration with GAF Helps Greek Strays by a wonderful family.
Our Thanks
We would like to thank our members and friends who have been working voluntarily all these years!
We thank Animal Action, The Marchig Animal Welfare Trust of Geneva, Help Animals International, the artist The Lost Star for the generous donation of all proceeds from her two performances in August 2019 at the Historical Archive of Hydra, Gabriella Stabler and her husband Peter, Heidi Keller, Felicity Panas, Maria Hanson, Judith Vermeulen, Jennifer Kelland, Tracy Gionis, Nici Hildebrandt, Rhapsody Georgakopoulou, Antonis and Mahhela Botsi, Katharina Semertsidis, Carol MacBeth, Irini Resou, Argyri Reso, Kosta Reso, Alexandro Kondilidi, Elisa Geskou, Valerie Lioyd, Christian Lemmer Didrih, Emma Baus and her producer, Mattias Reus publisher, Sotiris Iliadis, Eli Solberg, Martina Pape, Popi Zogou, Stavroula Boufi, Taki Diamanti, Nana Sakelariou, Christi Stamatakou, Giannni Rappa, Galen Ayers, Stephen Hopkins, Georgia Tsitsinaki, Athina Tsigourakou, Arabella Ross, Kelsey Edwards, and so many others, as well as all our donors from every corner of the earth!
Also the painters William Pownel, Michael Lawrence, and Henry Denader for donating their works for the creation of cards.
Thank you to our wonderful doctors! We thank our fellow citizens who take care of cats in their neighborhoods.
We thank Mr. Costas Angelopoulos for the free creation of our logo and Mr. Andronikos Tsigounis for the donation of the study for the shelter for the equines.
We thank Mr. Argyris Kalamatianakis, president of HydraArk, for the transport of equipment and stray cats, the filling of feeders, and for so much more that he offers without charge all these years.
Finally, we thank Eleni Christodoulou, the editor of the Voice of Hydra, for providing space in the electronic and printed edition of the newspaper and for her help in everything we have asked her.