In a heartwarming moment at a Greek rehabilitation center, Panagis, a young Mediterranean monk seal, is on the road to recovery after being rescued from the coastal waters of Cyprus. After months of care, Panagis is nearly ready to return to his natural habitat, symbolizing the success of MOm, a Greek charity dedicated to the care and conservation of these rare marine mammals.

Rescue and Rehabilitation of Mediterranean Monk Seals

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) was once on the brink of extinction, with its population dwindling due to hunting, habitat destruction, and human conflict. However, thanks to significant conservation efforts, the species has shown signs of recovery, with Greece playing a key role. Today, nearly half of the estimated global population of around 800 monk seals reside in Greek waters, where the country’s extensive coastline provides shelter in sea caves for these seals to raise their young.

Panagis was one of the lucky ones. After being found stranded and orphaned in Cyprus, he was flown to MOm’s rehabilitation center located at the Attica Zoological Park in Athens. The center has become a sanctuary for injured or orphaned seals, offering them medical care, nutritious meals, and swimming practice to prepare them for life in the wild. Panagis, who arrived underweight and struggling, has gained strength and now weighs over 40 kilograms (88 pounds). His return to the wild is expected soon.

From the Brink of Extinction to Recovery

The Mediterranean monk seal is known for its big round eyes and prominent whiskers, making it a particularly charming species. These seals are skilled hunters, capable of consuming up to 3 kilograms (6 pounds) of fish, squid, and octopus daily. Unfortunately, their tendency to steal from fishing nets led to conflicts with local fishermen, further endangering the species.

The monk seal’s population saw a sharp decline between the 1960s and 1980s, prompting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify it as critically endangered. Conservation programs launched in the 1980s, combined with public education efforts, helped improve their situation. Thanks to these efforts, the Mediterranean monk seal is now classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

MOm: Pioneering Seal Conservation

Since its inception, MOm (The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal) has been at the forefront of protecting this species. The organization responds to sightings of injured or stranded seals, often transporting them to its rehabilitation center.

The center’s dedicated veterinarians and staff provide medical treatment and ensure the seals receive a special diet to help them regain strength. Careful attention is given to minimizing human contact to ensure the seals maintain their natural instincts. Once they are strong enough, the seals are tagged for tracking before being released back into the wild.

MOm’s rehabilitation center has cared for about 40 seals, including several that have been released into the wild and later spotted thriving. One of the most heartening success stories occurred when a female seal, rehabilitated and released four years ago, was spotted nursing a pup—proof that conservation efforts are truly making a difference.

The Journey Back to the Wild

The road to recovery for these seals often involves unconventional transportation. As Nikitas Vogiatzis, a veterinary assistant at MOm, explains, transportation is handled with whatever means are available: plane, boat, or even taxi. Panagis, for instance, was flown from Cyprus to Athens, while another seal, Renos, arrived by boat from the Aegean island of Anafi.

After months of care, the seals are released into protected marine areas. In February, it was Renos’ turn to return home. The young seal, once weak and underfed, was carefully transported by speedboat to the Gyaros Islet, an uninhabited marine protected area where he was released back into the sea. As his crate was opened, the seal hesitated before slowly making his way to the water and disappearing into the waves.

Looking Ahead: Hope for the Mediterranean Monk Seal

The story of Panagis and other seals like him offers hope for the future of the Mediterranean monk seal. With continued conservation efforts and the support of organizations like MOm, the species’ future is looking brighter. As these seals make their way back into the wild, they are a reminder of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems to ensure the survival of all species that call them home.

The journey of the Mediterranean monk seal—from near extinction to recovery—is a testament to the power of conservation and the commitment of those working to protect these incredible creatures.

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A heroic cold-water rescue saved a bull moose that had fallen through the ice on Lake Abanakee in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The moose, which fell around 11 a.m. Thursday, was located about 200 feet (60 meters) from shore. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conservation officers were quick to respond, executing a laborious rescue operation.

Rescue Operation Begins

The rescue effort started after a passerby witnessed the moose break through the ice and called it in. Lt. Robert Higgins, an Environmental Conservation Police officer, was dispatched to the scene. Realizing the situation’s complexity, Higgins called for backup, and soon forest rangers Evan Nahor and Matt Savarie joined him on site.

“There’s no training manual for getting moose out of the ice,” Lt. Higgins remarked, recalling the difficult operation in a video statement.

The Dangers of Ice Rescues

Moose, vulnerable to hypothermia after falling through ice, face a high risk of death in these situations. The massive animals struggle to climb out of icy waters, and rescuers face the danger of falling through the ice themselves.

“We were able to use our ice rescue training to safely get out there,” said Forest Ranger Evan Nahor, detailing how they prepared for the dangerous task.

The team wore dry suits to keep warm and float in case they fell into the water. They also carried a long metal “spud bar” to test the thickness of the ice, which ranged from one to four inches (2.5 to 10 centimeters) in some areas. Ropes were on hand for safety, to pull anyone out of the water in case of an emergency.

A Careful Strategy

The rescuers cautiously navigated the lake, finding the thickest paths to avoid breaking through. Kneeling on sleds helped distribute their weight across the ice. Once they reached the moose, the forest rangers used a chainsaw to cut ice sections connecting the thinner area where the moose fell through to thicker ice. Lt. Higgins worked to push the ice blocks under the channel to clear the way.

The goal was to guide the moose down the channel, allowing it to swim to safety. However, due to its immense size—around 1,000 pounds (455 kilograms)—pulling it out was not an option.

The Moose’s Fear of Sleds

While the plan was to herd the moose toward the thicker ice, the animal wasn’t easily intimidated by the rescuers. However, it had one notable fear: the sleds.

“For whatever reason, it was scared of those,” said Forest Ranger Matt Savarie. Once the rangers positioned themselves behind the moose, they successfully directed it toward the path they had cleared. The moose, frightened by the sleds, quickly crawled onto the solid ice.

Exhausted but Resilient

After about two hours of treading water and fighting the cold, the moose was exhausted. “It was really tired. I was shivering. It didn’t have much energy left,” Lt. Higgins said. The rescue team wasn’t sure if the moose would be able to stand.

But after 15 minutes of rest, the moose regained its strength and stood up. “It was just an amazing sight to see that huge moose stand up right in front of us,” Higgins recalled.

The moose, now on solid ground, walked off into the woods, leaving the rescuers in awe of the successful, life-saving effort.

A Heartwarming Rescue

This incredible rescue highlights the challenges faced by New York’s wildlife and the dedication of its conservation officers. While moose face threats from poaching, vehicle collisions, and the effects of climate change, this rescue was a reminder that, in some cases, humans can be their greatest allies.

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Arctic foxes were nearly driven to extinction in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, but dedicated conservation efforts are giving this native species a second chance. Can breeding and feeding projects help these foxes survive for good?

As summer fades into autumn on the Norwegian alpine tundra, the wind howls over the fells, and Arctic foxes remain in their dens. “They’re not stupid,” says biologist Craig Jackson, as he cuts up frozen dog food with a butcher’s knife. Alongside his colleague, Kristine Ulvund, Jackson feeds the foxes—carefully placing chunks of meat into buckets and delivering them to the enclosures. The young foxes frolic across the tundra, blissfully unaware that their survival depends on the fragile efforts to save their population.

Since 2005, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) has been breeding Arctic foxes in captivity as part of a government-funded conservation program. Located near Oppdal, 300km north of Oslo, the program is crucial to saving the species in Fennoscandia—the northern European peninsula that includes Finland, Norway, Sweden, and parts of Russia. This year, 34 pups have been born at the breeding station, and by January, Jackson and Ulvund will release them back into the wild, joining the 465 captive-bred foxes already set free across Norway since the program’s inception.

The Arctic Fox’s Struggle for Survival

Arctic foxes are built for the harshest climates, with short muzzles, warm fur, and foot pads that function as heat exchangers to survive temperatures below -40°C (-40°F). Historically, they roamed across the circumpolar tundra of the Arctic, thriving in regions like Greenland, Canada, Russia, and the Nordic countries. While the species remains abundant in most of its range, the Arctic fox nearly disappeared from Fennoscandia by the early 20th century due to overhunting for their prized pelts. Legal protections in the 1920s came too late to restore their populations, and by 2000, only 40-60 Arctic foxes remained in Sweden and Norway, while Finland had seen none since 1996.

Though the Arctic fox is not threatened in other regions, conservationists emphasize the importance of restoring Fennoscandian populations for ecological and cultural reasons. The Arctic fox plays a vital role in its ecosystem as a keystone species, and its survival is closely linked to the identity of the region’s people.

The Impact of Climate Change and Red Foxes

In recent years, climate change has made things worse for Arctic foxes. Disruptions to lemming populations—critical prey for the foxes—have worsened the situation. Additionally, warmer temperatures have allowed the more aggressive red fox to encroach upon Arctic fox territory, competing for food and resources. “Fennoscandian Arctic foxes heavily depend on lemmings,” explains Dorothée Ehrich, a researcher at the Climate-Ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra in Tromsø, Norway. The warmer winters caused by climate change make it difficult for lemmings to survive, which, in turn, affects the foxes’ ability to reproduce.

To help the foxes survive, more than 250 feeding stations have been established across Norway, Sweden, and Finland. In Kilpisjärvi, Finland, Tuomo Ollila, a retired wildlife expert, oversees one of these stations. “We give them premium-quality dog food,” he says with a laugh. “In poor rodent years, it helps Arctic foxes survive in optimal breeding habitats.” While lemmings are still the preferred food, supplemental feeding has proven crucial for breeding pairs and their young.

However, the rise of red foxes remains a significant challenge. Larger, stronger, and more aggressive than their Arctic cousins, red foxes often prey on Arctic foxes and spread diseases. To combat this, hunters—both local and government-paid—are tasked with culling red foxes, especially near Arctic fox dens. But this measure is controversial, as red foxes are native to the region.

A Balancing Act: Challenges and Successes

Some see ecological alternatives to red fox culling, such as the return of larger predators like wolves and wolverines. However, the support for sheep grazing in the mountains has made it difficult to reintroduce large predators. “Sheep grazing has strong political support in Norway,” says Ulvund, making it unlikely for large predators to make a significant return.

Without human intervention, experts agree that the Arctic fox may already be extinct in Fennoscandia. However, thanks to concerted conservation efforts, the wild populations of Arctic foxes in Norway, Sweden, and Finland have grown to over 550 individuals. “Our data shows that captive-bred foxes have the same survival and reproduction rates as wild-born foxes,” says Ulvund.

In Finland, the first Arctic fox litter in 26 years was born in 2022, just 19km from a release site in Norway. “The coffee tasted great that morning,” recalls Ollila.

Researchers like Johan Fredrik Wallén, who has studied Arctic foxes in Sweden for nearly 20 years, now often sees them in the wild, a stark contrast to his earlier experiences. But his work is tough, involving long days of fieldwork in harsh conditions—walking 15-20km daily and enduring snow, wind, and cold. “I remember waking up in a tent covered in snow,” he recalls.

The research is vital for understanding the effectiveness of conservation measures. Initially, captive-bred foxes were released in October or November, but now they stay in their enclosures longer to build up fat reserves before being released into the wild.

In northern Norway’s Varanger Peninsula, where red fox culling had been the only conservation measure, the population of Arctic foxes fluctuated drastically. After releasing 67 captive-bred foxes in 2017, the population has rebounded. “Last year alone, over 90 pups were born in Varanger,” says Ehrich.

However, there are risks involved in releasing captive-bred foxes. Introducing foxes from the same breeding pairs can reduce genetic diversity, leading to inbreeding. The focus has now shifted to releasing animals in a way that promotes genetic diversity.

A Collective Success Story

The success of the Arctic fox conservation program is a testament to international cooperation. Norway, Sweden, and Finland have worked together, setting common goals, sharing information, and compiling joint annual reports. “Animals don’t see country borders,” says Wallén. It also helps that the Arctic fox is not a controversial species—many locals view it as a symbol of the pristine Arctic wilderness.

Still, scientists are cautious about relying too heavily on captive breeding. “We can’t rely on captive breeding to save a species,” says Ulvund. “It should only be a last resort.” While the fox population is growing, it remains on life support, and the goal is to reach a sustainable population of at least 2,000 foxes in Fennoscandia. Whether this number will be enough remains uncertain.

Experts like Dominique Berteaux, an ecologist in Canada, warn that continued support may be necessary for the Arctic fox to thrive in Fennoscandia. Without intervention, the population could decline again.

As climate change accelerates, the future of Arctic foxes in Fennoscandia remains uncertain. However, Wallén argues that giving up now would be a mistake. “Arctic foxes have been here since the last ice age,” he says. “If we stop now, they’re gone forever.”

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