Cyprus inaugurates new wildlife care and rehabilitation center in Geri

On November 6, 2026, Cyprus officially inaugurated a modern Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Center located in the Geri district. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, who marked the occasion by releasing a Bonelli's eagle back into the wild. This new facility replaces outdated premises in Athalassa that had been in operation since 1995, though the original site dated back to 1951.

The project was implemented under the "Management of Natura 2000 Network Areas" initiative, funded by the "THALIA 2021–2027" program with a total budget of €720,000. The primary goal of the new center is to significantly enhance the capacity for treating, rehabilitating, and releasing injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals back into their natural habitats. Officials highlighted that the facility plays a critical role in the protection of rare and endangered species, such as griffon vultures, by providing modern specialized medical care that exceeds the capabilities of the previous infrastructure.

The establishment of the center represents a strategic upgrade in the country's wildlife conservation efforts, aligning with European network standards and ensuring the long-term sustainability of protected species in Cyprus.