Young Gulls in Athens: A Seasonal Phenomenon
In recent weeks, Athens has seen a significant increase in reports from citizens encountering young gulls on streets, sidewalks, and apartment building courtyards across Attica. This phenomenon is seasonal, occurring every summer as young birds prematurely leave their nests to acclimate to the environment, according to the ANIMA wildlife protection and care association.
ANIMA notes that gulls have established colonies not only in Athens but also in other major Greek cities such as Thessaloniki, Chalkida, and Volos. This annual event leads to many young gulls being found in urban areas.
ANIMA’s Guidelines for Citizens
ANIMA emphasizes that if a bird shows no obvious injuries or fractures, it does not necessarily need to be collected. Instead, citizens are advised, if they can do so safely, to move the bird to a rooftop or a nearby coastal area where its parents can locate it.
If the bird appears injured or requires care, ANIMA urges citizens to place it in a cardboard box and bring it to their facilities for treatment. The organization also highlights that due to limited resources and staff, they are unable to collect animals from the location where they are found.
What to do if you find a young gull:
- Assess for injuries: Check if the gull has visible wounds, fractures, or appears to be in distress.
- If uninjured: If the bird seems healthy, gently pick it up using a large towel (two people might be needed) and move it to a safe, elevated location like a rooftop, or a nearby beach if you are close to the sea. This allows its parents to find it.
- If injured: If the gull is clearly injured or in need of care, carefully place it in a cardboard box.
- Transport to ANIMA: Bring the injured bird directly to ANIMA’s facilities. They are open seven days a week for this purpose.
Important Considerations:
- Do NOT expect ANIMA to collect the bird: Due to limited staff and resources, ANIMA cannot dispatch teams for animal collection.
- Parental care: Young gulls often leave the nest before they can fly properly. Their parents are usually nearby, watching over them. Relocating them to a safe, open space helps the parents continue their care.
- Safety first: Always prioritize your safety when handling wildlife. Gulls can peck or scratch if they feel threatened.
ANIMA’s Statement on the Phenomenon
ANIMA’s recent post addressed the situation: “What’s happening these days with the young gulls? In all neighborhoods of Piraeus, Nea Smyrni, Kallithea, Moschato, and Faliro… and also in Patision, Solonos, Sepolia, young gulls are roaming on sidewalks or calling out from apartment building courtyards to their parents. And if one looks up, on the rooftops, they will see the anxious parents flying and calling. Perhaps they are already thinking, ‘our impatient child left prematurely again.'”
“Because this is exactly what happens. In recent years, as gulls have colonized Athens, as well as Thessaloniki, Chalkida, Volos, the same phenomenon recurs every June and July, and consequently, our disputes with some citizens who demand that we immediately go and collect the unruly little one are frequent.”
“Our approach is as follows: If the young gull is healthy, without fractures and injuries, catch it with a large towel (perhaps two people are needed to corner it) and take it to the rooftop for its parents to find, or if it is quite grown and you are near the sea, leave it on the beach.”
“If, however, it needs care, put it in a cardboard box and bring it to ANIMA. We are open seven days a week exactly for this.”
“We do everything except collection, because we are not enough to have that capability…”
Contact Information
For more information or to bring an injured bird:
- ANIMA Wildlife Protection and Care Association
- Operating Hours: 7 days a week
- Contact: [Please refer to ANIMA’s official website or public contact details for precise location and phone number.]
By following these guidelines, citizens can contribute to the welfare of young gulls and support ANIMA’s crucial work in wildlife protection.
Source: https://www.tanea.gr/2026/06/22/greece/gemise-glarakia-i-athina-pou-mporeite-na-apeythyntheite-an-yparxei-traymatismos/
