A Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus-monachus), which was named “Panayis”, returned on Friday to Cyprus aboard an airplane from Greece, where he received treatment for almost five months.

Panayi’s mother was found dead in the marine area of Famagusta last November and following a necropsy, it emerged that its death resulted from complications during childbirth. Cyprus’ Mediterranean seal monitoring team, which consists of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, was immediately mobilised to find the pup and, with the help of lifeguards, it was located in a rocky coastal area.

The pup was immediately transferred to the Cyprus Marine Aquaculture Research Center (CyMARC) where it was provided with the necessary care. It was named “Panayis”, since he was located on the day of the feast of the Presentation of Virgin Mary, who is called Panayia in Greek.

On the instructions of the Environment Minister, Maria Panayiotou, an operation was launched for his safe air transport to Greece with the aim of ensuring his survival. He was transferred to the MOm, the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal in Greece. MOm is active in the protection and promotion of the coastal and marine environment of Greece, through the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal, which is the only seal species in the Mediterranean Sea and the most endangered seal on earth.

Today, Panayis returned to Cyprus and he will be released into his natural environment.