It was early September 2011 when we were discussing how to name the organization which would realize our animal-loving visions, and an incredible experience we had had just days earlier at Attica Park was still etched in our minds: We heard the excited talk of the animal keepers over the intercom about a huge flock of storks in the sky on their autumn migration southward, coincidentally heading towards the Park. It was one of the most impressive sights any of us had ever seen: the flock formed a vortex of hundreds of storks, gliding in a circular funnel formation and slowly moving while maintaining its shape. The bottom of the flock was so low that we could see the storks up close, while the top was so high that they appeared as dots in the sky. The big question among our excited zoo keepers over the radio was whether the three injured storks from ANIMA Rehab Center, which we had cared for in the Park for months, would join the wild flock, which was obviously migrating to Africa. As we all stood outside watching the spectacle, the three storks indeed took off towards the flock, which then changed course southward. Our excitement peaked. However, soon after the three storks returned to the Park and our keepers’ disappointment was apparent over the radio. But soon after the entire flock, still maintaining its vortex shape, changed direction again and turned back towards the Park. The three storks took off again and reapproached the wild flock. New excitement over the radio, as the flock started to move away again, with our storks – the anticipation among us peaked. After a few minutes, two of the three storks returned to the Park for good. But the emotion and satisfaction we felt for the one stork, which we hope lived among its wild flock for the rest of its years, is still imprinted on our souls. The screams of excitement from all of us at that moment still ring in my ears. This unique experience led to the naming of “Pelargos” (Stork in greek).

The term “NATURA” in our name emerged in 2024, when we decided to shift our focus from specific species in danger to the broader scope of the overall ecosystem in which wildlife exists, and embrace the challenge to try and contribute to its protection and conservation comprehensively, benefiting every part involved. Nature, Wildlife, the local community and economy. Our focus now will also target the overall environment of specific geographical areas of environmental significance or needing assistance, which they deserve and we owe them. Because we humans are the source of nearly all of the planet’s problems, due to our misguided and irresponsible presence on Earth.