Just outside Athens, Greece, you’ll find Attica Zoological Park, home to more than 1,500 animals from over 200 species, many of them endangered. What began as a bird collection has grown into the region’s only accredited zoological institution, now housing species ranging from the smallest birds and reptiles to some of the world’s largest mammals.

Here, veterinarian Noi Psaroudaki spends most days of the week caring for the park’s animals and supporting its conservation efforts.

“I love our big cats, of course, but my favorite animals to work with are actually our hoofstock, especially the Somali wild ass,” says Noi Psaroudaki.

“I find them fascinating — maybe because they are so wild and untameable.”

The critically endangered Somali wild ass is one of the rarest equids in the world and a very challenging species to safely immobilize. Their strength, speed, and flight responses are finely tuned for survival in the wild. Noi is also actively involved in the species’ conservation and recently joined the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Somali wild ass EEP (European Endangered Species Programme), helping support the long-term management of the population under human care.

Attica Zoo actively collaborates with wildlife NGOs and conservation groups on rescue and rehabilitation initiatives, such as the rehabilitation and reintroduction of native Greek deer species, and hosts Greece’s only rehabilitation center for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

The most important equipment

As a veterinarian at the park, Noi has a varied schedule where preventive health checks and (lots of) paperwork mix with occasional emergency procedures. When animals need to be tranquilized remotely, Noi relies on DANiNJECT equipment.

“I think it’s the most important equipment we have at the zoo. I can’t imagine working without it — there are so many things we wouldn’t be able to do,” says Noi, who particularly appreciates the reliability of the equipment.

“When you have a procedure, and you are responsible for everyone’s safety, it’s reassuring not to have to worry about the equipment. I’ve never had a rifle or a dart let me down in an emergency. I just know it will deliver,” she says.

“Every animal deserves veterinary care, no matter their temperament”

Alongside her work at Attica Zoo, Noi also undertakes veterinary work in other settings. She frequently uses the DANiNJECT blowpipe and is licensed to use her own tranquilization rifle outside the zoo.

“All over Greece, there is a big issue with stray dogs, some of which are impossible to approach due to their temperament. Maybe 50% of the time, you can use the blowpipe, but often you can’t get close enough. Having the option to use the rifle will make a big difference in providing care for these poor animals.”

Abandoned or stray horses are also a big concern in Greece, and many of these animals can’t be approached safely, especially if wounded or in pain. The DANiNJECT rifle allows Noi and her colleagues to provide essential veterinary care to horses who are fearful of people or live in semi-wild conditions, helping address health issues and improve their welfare.

Much safer for everyone

Noi Psaroudaki also responds to emergencies in Parnitha National Park, home to red deer and wolves. Red deer, in particular, are frequently injured in vehicle collisions and often require urgent veterinary attention.

“It is much better to hide somewhere and immobilize a deer from a distance than to chase it with a blowpipe or wait for the animal to go down by itself and sedate it by hand. Remote immobilization is much safer for everyone, and the animals don’t seem to mind. It’s the least stressful way of doing it,” she says.