Panagis, a playful Mediterranean monk seal pup, splashes out of his pool. He waddles over for his favorite treat: a plump mackerel. Just three months ago, this orphaned seal was found weak and alone off the coast of Cyprus. His future was uncertain. Now, thanks to conservationists, Panagis is thriving. Soon, he’ll be ready to return to the wild.

Panagis is one of many Mediterranean monk seals, or Monachus monachus, given a second chance by MOm. This Greek nonprofit is dedicated to saving the rare marine mammal. Once on the brink of extinction, these seals are making a comeback. They have big, round eyes and distinctive whiskers. Nearly half of the world’s estimated 800 monk seals live in Greek waters. The coastline offers sea caves, perfect for raising their young.

From Near Extinction to Recovery

Mediterranean monk seals are sleek and fast. They are skilled hunters. They eat up to 3 kilograms (6 pounds) of fish, octopus, and squid daily. But their appetite has caused problems. They sometimes rip through fishing nets to steal fish. This made fishermen see them as pests.

For decades, they were hunted. Their population declined sharply between the 1960s and 1980s. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed them as critically endangered. Conservation efforts began in the 1980s. Outreach programs educated the public and fishermen. “Society gradually began to change,” said Panagiotis Dendrinos, a marine biologist and MOm coordinator. “The population began to recover.”

The monk seal is the only seal species in the Mediterranean. It is also one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. “Protecting the monk seal means protecting the entire marine ecosystem,” Dendrinos said.

Conservation efforts have paid off. The species moved from “critically endangered” to “endangered” on the IUCN Red List. Recently, it improved further to “vulnerable.”

A Unique Seal Rehab

MOm’s rehabilitation center is near Athens. It’s the only one of its kind in the region. When a seal is found injured or orphaned, MOm’s team acts quickly. Adult seals are often treated on-site. Pups are brought to the center for care.

The seals are given names, often after the people who found them. They are fed a special diet to help them grow strong. They practice swimming in a pool. Human interaction is kept to a minimum. “We want them to remain wild,” Dendrinos said.

Once the seals are healthy, they are tagged and released. MOm has cared for about 40 seals so far.

A Journey of Hope

Panagis was found near Cyprus. His mother’s body had washed ashore days earlier. Locals alerted MOm, and the pup was flown to Athens. “We’ll use whatever means necessary to save them,” said Nikitas Vogiatzis, a veterinary assistant. “Planes, boats, even taxis.”

When Panagis arrived, he weighed just 15 kilograms (33 pounds). Now, he’s a robust 40 kilograms (88 pounds). He’s nearly ready for release. MOm hopes to return him to the wild in May.

Renos’ Return to Freedom

Renos was found in November on the Aegean island of Anafi. A nurse and a military conscript found him. They inspired his name. After months of care, Renos was ready for release.

On a cold February day, MOm’s team took him to Gyaros, an uninhabited islet. They placed his crate near the water and opened the door. Renos hesitated, then inched his way out. He belly-crawled down the beach, splashed into the sea, and disappeared.

“It’s always emotional,” Vogiatzis said. “You open the door, say a prayer, and wish them well.”

A Future for the Mediterranean Monk Seal

The road to recovery is long. But stories like Panagis’ and Renos’ offer hope. MOm’s work has saved seals and changed public perception. Fishermen are now allies. Communities are stewards of the sea.

Last year, MOm received a special gift. A female seal they had rehabilitated was spotted nursing her own pup. For Dendrinos and his team, it was a powerful reminder of their mission.

“Protecting the monk seal protects the entire marine ecosystem,” Dendrinos said. “Every seal we save is a step toward a healthier world.”