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After a long journey and months of care, Panagis, the Mediterranean monk seal who captured hearts last year, is finally heading back to the Cypriot seas. This Friday, Panagis arrived at Larnaca Airport on a flight from Greece, ready for a fresh start and a return to the waters where he belongs.
Panagis was found last November in the Famagusta district, orphaned after the tragic death of his mother. The sight of the young seal struggling alone stirred the hearts of many, and thanks to quick action from local authorities and the Society for the Study and Protection of the Mediterranean Monk Seal (MOm), Panagis was given a second chance at life.
“We are thrilled to welcome Panagis back,” said Haris Nikolaou, officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment. “He’s fully rehabilitated and in great health, ready to return to the wild where he can thrive.”
For five months, Panagis received expert care from MOm, an organization with years of experience in protecting and rehabilitating Mediterranean monk seals. The team in Greece worked tirelessly to help Panagis grow strong and learn the necessary skills to survive on his own in the wild. At just four and a half months old, he now weighs 61 kilos and is ready to face the challenges of his natural habitat.
This heartwarming rescue operation wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of several dedicated groups, including the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the MOm organization, and Aegean Airlines, which flew Panagis free of charge to ensure his safe return. "It’s wonderful to see Panagis on his way to a bright future," said Dona Sparsi, station manager at Aegean Airlines. "At Aegean, we’re proud to support such important environmental efforts."
As Panagis heads back to the sea, local authorities are reminding the public to stay aware of the importance of marine life preservation. “This isn’t just about protecting a single animal—it’s about taking care of the environment for everyone,” said Melina Markou from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research. “It’s a shared responsibility that everyone, from government to NGOs, must embrace.”
MOm's president, Panos Dendrinos, also expressed satisfaction with the success of the rehabilitation. “From the moment we received Panagis, we knew that, with the right care, he could make it back to the wild,” he said. “It’s a rewarding feeling knowing that Panagis will soon be part of the marine biodiversity that we’ve all worked so hard to protect.”
Now, with a new chapter beginning, Panagis is ready for the next phase of his life—free and swimming in the Mediterranean waters. As authorities wish him well, they’re hopeful that his story will inspire others to get involved in the protection of these incredible animals.
