Cyprus inaugurates new wildlife care and rehabilitation centre

On November 6, 2026, the Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, inaugurated a new Wildlife Care and Rehabilitation Centre in the Geri area of Cyprus. This facility replaces the outdated Athalassa site, which had been in operation since 1995 but was originally constructed in 1951 for pigeon breeding.

The project, which cost 720,000 euros, was developed under the 'Management of Natura 2000 Network Areas' initiative as part of the 'THALIA 2021–2027' programme. The centre is designed to provide professional care for injured, sick, and orphaned animals, including rare species such as vultures, with the ultimate goal of reintegrating them into their natural habitats. During the ceremony, the Minister demonstrated the facility's capabilities by releasing a Bonelli's eagle that had completed its rehabilitation.

Looking forward, the Interior Ministry intends to restructure the Game and Fauna Service to mirror the management model of the Fire Service. Planned reforms include transitioning to full state grant funding for operating expenses and shifting the responsibility for staff pension calculations to the Treasury to enhance the service's efficiency and operational capacity.