The Flamingo, scientifically known as Phoenicopterus, is a remarkable bird that enhances Greece’s wetlands with its vibrant plumage and graceful presence.
In winter, large flocks gather in the country’s lakes, with over 3,000 to 4,000 flamingos often spotted at Lake Kerkini. This creates a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates both locals and visitors, especially children, who are charmed by their graceful presence.
As a wildlife photographer and cinematographer, my journey in this field started nearly 20 years ago, photographing flamingos at Lake Kerkini. I was immediately drawn to their graceful form, elegance, and behaviour. Approaching them isn’t as difficult as it may seem, as long as they don’t perceive you as a threat. Usually, when I aim to photograph a flamingo, it’s a smooth and natural process.
Flamingos live in highly social communities, constantly interacting and communicating through distinctive calls that echo across the wetlands. Their presence serves as a reminder that humans share this planet with other creatures, whose protection is a collective responsibility.
Unfortunately, this reality is disregarded by those who continue to shoot and harm Greece’s wildlife. At Action for Wildlife, where I am a proud member and volunteer as a videographer and photographer we frequently receive injured animals—victims of gunshot wounds (look at this buzzard came earlier in the health center this year), casualties of senseless violence that threatens our natural heritage.
These attacks are not accidents or cases of misidentification. A buzzard or a flamingo is unmistakable and never part of legal hunting. Targeting wild animals deliberately is a ruthless act, showing a complete disregard for ethics and compassion.
On January 24th, officials from the Central Macedonia Protected Areas Management Unit of O.FY.PE.KA. delivered a wounded flamingo to Action for Wildlife. X-rays revealed it had been shot, while further examination indicated possible electrocution—likely from power lines it encountered while trying to land injured. Yet another devastating example of the brutal impact of illegal violence on wildlife.
The Photographer’s Perspective: A Difficult and Heartbreaking Task
As photographers documenting wildlife, we strive to capture the raw beauty of nature—its resilience, harmony, and untamed spirit. However, there are moments when our lenses must bear witness to tragedy. Photographing an injured or dying animal, knowing that it is suffering due to human actions, is an emotionally draining experience. Wildlife photography is about patience, observation, and a deep connection with the natural world, but in these cases, it becomes a moral duty to raise awareness. Each image taken in such moments is not just a photograph; it is evidence, a call for justice, and a plea for change.
My outrage is immense, and I strongly believe the government must take more decisive action to arrest these criminals and ensure they face severe charges, including attempted murder, with the harshest possible penalties.
How Can You Help this Flamingo?
Your support can truly make an impact! By symbolically adopting this injured flamingo or making a donation, you can help provide the food and medical care it needs. Every contribution plays a vital role in its recovery, offering it a chance to heal and return to the wild. Visit Action for Wildlife’s site here.
Tomorrow is World Wetlands Day, a reminder that we share this planet with countless other species. As the dominant species, it is our responsibility to protect these creatures and their habitats. Our actions today will determine the future of wildlife for us and for generations to come. Let’s not forget that we all inhabit this Earth together, and it’s up to us to ensure a harmonious coexistence.
