Report of HydraArk for 2021

General news

• In January 2021, 25 stray cats were spayed by veterinarian G. Karatheopoulos. The expenses were covered by HydraArk.
• From 26/2 to 1/3 2021, cats were neutered on the island by the Municipality of Hydra. Our association participated in the program by offering its equipment and 7 volunteers. Our volunteers collected and reintegrated 25 stray cats from a colony near rubbish bins.
• On 6/3/21 & 7/3/21 cats were neutered on the island by HydraArk. 50 cats were neutered and dewormed.
• 5 stray cats were brought to the vet in poor condition. All 5 cats were sent to a clinic in Ligourio. The costs of their hospitalization and transportation were covered by HydraArk. 2 cats from the Kamini area with final-stage cancer were euthanized. 3 came back healthy. 2 rejoined their colonies, and 1 male from the area of Agios Konstantinos was adopted by our volunteer!

Detailed coverage of expenses for 6/3/21 & 7/3/21

• Doctor fees: The Marchig Animal Welfare Trust of Geneva, and Help Animals International.
• Travel expenses: HydraArk
• Doctors’ accommodation: Mr. Antonis Botsis
• Sanitation and cleaning supplies etc: HydraArk
• Coffees, doctors’ meals: HydraArk.
• 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.

New goals of HydraArk

• For 2022, HydraArk aims to implement 2 programs of neutering, care, and vaccination/deworming in cats, as well as to proceed with the installation of 3 more wooden structures to provide food in areas of the island.
• In the spring and in collaboration with I Know, I Love, I Care (GAF) / Help Greek Strays, we intend to neuter stray dogs and cats in Metochi, an area that is a gateway to our island.
• We have also planned informative visits to local schools and events for children. The purpose of HydraArk is to establish love of animals in the minds of children with the ultimate goal of creating a new, animal-friendly generation that respects all forms of life, but at the same time our goal is to offer joy and creative employment to children.
• In the context of the European Directive which provides for a reduction in the use of plastic bags after the adoption of the relevant directive, on 28 April 2015, by the European Parliament, which provides for a reduction in the use of disposable plastic bags in the European Union, we thought of joint actions to reduce the plastic bag on our island. In collaboration with other agencies, we intend to distribute stylish canvas bags to the inhabitants of our island in an effort to reduce use of and maybe even eradicate plastic bags.
• HydraArk intends to expand its activities to the protection of the environment and to continue as an animal and environmental association. Coastal cleaning is in the upcoming plans of our association, as is an Outdoor Exchange Library that socially unites and promotes education and self-improvement.
• Finally, we hope that in 2022 permanent shade and two troughs for the equines will be placed in a suitable space, an ongoing request of our association.