Orphaned Mediterranean monk seal ‘Nefeli’ was released into the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades today, following a traditional parting ceremony held in the fishing village of Steni Vala.
Rescued as a week-old pup on the Ionian island of Kefalonia on 14 October 2009, the female seal then underwent three and a half months of treatment at the MOm rehabilitation centre in Steni Vala.
In a press communiqué issued today, MOm reports that the release ceremony was attended by the Vice Prefect of Magnesia, Ms. Natassa Oikonomou, the new President of the Management Body of the National Marine Park, Ms. Eugenia Androukaki, Port Police officers, local Boy Scouts, and well-wishers from Alonnisos.
For the next 6 months, MOm researchers will now attempt to track Nefeli’s position and monitor her well-being and behaviour from data received via her satellite tag.
Nefeli’s rehabilitation was supported financially by Piraeus Bank through its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.
Source: Η Νεφέλη κολυμπάει ελεύθερη!
Steni Vala, Alonnisos, Greece