Principles & Ethics

On 9 June 2023, the Code of Conduct of the Network of Greek Wildlife Care Organizations was signed in Kastoria by the organizations participating in the Network: ANIMA, Alcyoni, Action for Wildlife, ARCHELON, MOm, Arcturus, Arion, Toulipa Goulimi Association, Naxos Wildlife Protection Association, Environmental Protection Society of Kastoria, Wildlife Rescue Scout Group, Natural History Museum of Crete.

Code of conduct for wildlife care and rehabilitation centres

The undersigned Wildlife Care Centres (WSC) and Wildlife First Aid Stations (WSC) agree on the following principles, which should govern the operation of all members of the network, in relation to the care, welfare and reintegration of the wild animals they care for:

1. The K.P.E.E.A.P./S.P.B.E.A.P. strives to achieve high levels of animal care through knowledge and understanding of animal biology, ecology, behaviour and health. Ongoing efforts are required to keep up to date on the latest information, methods and regulations of rehabilitation and re-homing of
   treated animals.
2. The KEP.P.E.A.P./S.P.B.E.A.P. is responsible, conscientious and dedicated, while constantly working to improve the quality of care provided to animals in care and rehoming.
3. The KEP.P.E.A.P./S.P.B.E.A.P. applies the international, European and national legislation concerning wildlife, its care and rehabilitation and any related activities.
4. The KEPEPEP / S.P.B.V.E.E.A.P. ensures safe working practices and conditions, observing at all times the applicable health and safety rules.
5. The KE.P.E.E.A.P./S.P.B.E.E.A.P. must have the assistance of a veterinarian.
6. The KEP.P.E.A.P./S.P.B.E.A.P. respects other centres and individuals belonging to related fields and shares techniques and knowledge in the spirit of cooperation for the good of animals.
7. The KEP.P.E.E.A.P./S.P.B.E.E.A.P. seeks partnerships, with a view to the objective and impartial performance of its duties.
8. The C.P.E.E.A.P. / S.P.B.E.A.P. provides professional care with sensitivity in every phase of the care and re-homing of wild animals and preserving the welfare of each animal, in accordance with the 5 freedoms adopted by international organizations, namely, (a) freedom from hunger and thirst, (b) freedom from suffering and discomfort, (c) freedom from pain, injury or disease, (d) freedom to express normal behavior, and (e) freedom from fear and distress.
9. The KEP.P.E.E.A.P./S.P.B.E.E.A.P. encourages the participation of society and its activism through the training of volunteers and the awareness of citizens. The aim is to promote responsible interest in living beings and nature.
10. The KEPEP.E.E.A.P./S.P.B.E.E.A.P. performs all its work and activities with professionalism, honesty, transparency, integrity and dedication.