Renowned primatologist and United Nations Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall has voiced her support for our 2021 Greek America Corps animal welfare volunteer program on the Greek island of Karpathos.
In a newly released video message, Goodall praised local mayor Yiannis Nisyrios — who has fully embraced the program and offered his municipality’s support — along with volunteers and leaders of Animal Welfare Karpathos, our program’s partner organization which is registered in Greece and has been rescuing animals in need for more than 20 years.
Goodall called the program “desperately important” while referencing Karpathos’ estimated population of 1,000 stray cats and a growing population of dogs.
Known for her international animal advocacy work and scientific contributions, Goodall has been aware of Greece’s stray animal issues for years. The award-winning scientist visited the country in 2016 and 2018 for a series of lectures in Athens, Crete and Thessaloniki.
In her video message, Goodall thanked Mayor Nisyrios for welcoming the programs and ideas presented to him by Animal Welfare Karpathos co-founder Dr. Anna Katogiritis, a U.S.-trained veterinarian and Karpathos native who is generously leading our Greek America Corps animal welfare program on a pro bono basis.
Katogiritis helped launch Goodall’s official Greek office — Jane Goodall’s R&S Greece — while she was still a veterinary student and has volunteered with the Jane Goodall Institute and Goodall since 2014.
About Greek America Corps 2021 on Karpathos
This volunteer program involves a high volume spay and neuter campaign which aims to reduce the stray dog and cat population on Karpathos. Applications are now open to pre-veterinary students until January 31. For more information, including how to apply, click here.