Animals

The historic island of Syros in the Cyclades is home to a cat sanctuary where volunteers from around the world can stay for free in exchange for caring for animals – and it’s been described as a quieter alternative to Santorini and Mykonos

Holidaymakers can seize the opportunity to live on a stunning Greek island with free accommodation, breakfast, and utilities in return for volunteering at a cat sanctuary and assisting with animal care. The position is based on the historic island of Syros, situated in the Cyclades within the Aegean Sea, where the Syros Cats sanctuary operates.

Since the 1990s, the sanctuary has led the way in feline welfare, implementing trap, neuter and return (TNR) schemes, overseeing animal health, and facilitating the safe integration of stray cats within the local community.

The sanctuary welcomes volunteers from across the globe to join its team and embrace animal care while discovering life on a Greek island. They are seeking volunteers who are physically capable, responsible, healthy, and self-sufficient, able to commit to staying for at least one month.

Applicants must be prepared to dedicate five hours daily, five days a week, to vital duties. These include cleaning living areas, preparing and serving meals, socialising kittens, and providing a secure, nurturing environment for the cats.

Those with veterinary expertise or experience handling feral cats are especially encouraged to apply, though the programme welcomes anyone prepared to roll up their sleeves, demonstrate reliability, and genuinely interact with the animals. In exchange, volunteers are provided with free lodgings, breakfast, and access to amenities, enabling them to fully concentrate on their tasks while basking in the Mediterranean sun, reports the Express.

The sanctuary’s efforts have revolutionised the dynamic between the island’s inhabitants and its cat population. Richard Bowell, co-founder of God’s Little People Cat Rescue, which works in partnership with Syros Cats, stated: “We want to show the world that we really care about animals. The way we treat them reflects something of our own humanity.”

As a result of these endeavours, the local community now regards cats with respect and pride, marking a significant departure from the apathy or animosity previously displayed.

Syros is often touted as a quieter, less touristy alternative to more renowned Greek islands such as Santorini and Mykonos. YouTubers Katie and George from Intersection Voyage highlighted the island’s allure during a recent trip: “Every year, millions of people travel to Greece’s most famous islands, Santorini and Mykonos. However, after travelling to both Santorini and Mykonos, I have come to realise that there are some other, way less commercialised islands, which are amazingly rich in history and scenery.”

They added: “We will be spending the next three days on one of Greece’s most historic and beautiful Greek islands, exploring hidden cave churches, local beaches, unique cuisine and the island’s famous tourist attractions.”

Reflecting on their experience, they said: “Looking back on this island, there was something just magical about it. It was unique and authentic and it had something for everyone. I found the locals were extremely kind and generous and were always willing to help if you needed it. We didn’t even scratch the surface of how many hidden places there are to see.”

Applications for the 2026 volunteer season are now closed, but those keen to participate in 2027 can apply when registration reopens in September 2026 via the official Syros Cats website or sign up to their newsletter for updates.

The UK Government confirmed a ban on people bringing some duty free from European Union into Great Britain will continue into 2026 to prevent spread of disease

A Government prohibition on travellers bringing food products from the European Union into Britain has been prolonged, ministers have confirmed. The rules mean that if border and customs officers discover such items, which many purchase at duty-free shops, they will be seized, disposed of, and the individual may face a financial penalty.

Ministers confirmed this week that the protective measures against the transmission of foot and mouth disease (FMD) amid increasing outbreaks throughout Europe will extend into 2026. Holidaymakers are prohibited from bringing beef, lamb, goat and pork products, alongside dairy goods, from EU nations into Great Britain for personal consumption, safeguarding British livestock welfare, farming stability and the nation’s food supply chain.

This encompasses items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk entering Great Britain – irrespective of packaging or whether purchased from duty-free retailers.

Restrictions on meat, dairy and animal products for human consumption

You cannot bring in any of the following:

1. cheese, milk and dairy products like butter and yoghurt
2. pork
3. beef
4. lamb
5. mutton
6. goat
7. venison
8. other products made from these meats, for example sausages

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has verified the restriction will stay in force. Labour’s Dr Rosena Allin-Khan questioned Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Emma Reynolds: “Whether her Department plans to end temporary restrictions on the import of (a) meat, (b) dairy and (c) animal products from the European Union in the context of the World Organisation for Animal Health’s recognition of all European Union member states as free from foot-and-mouth disease.”

Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed the prohibition remains active: “Restrictions on commercial imports of certain meat, dairy and animal products from Slovakia in response to foot and mouth disease (FMD) remain in place pending UK recognition of FMD freedom.”

“Restrictions on personal imports of certain meat, dairy and animal products from the EU will remain in place while the biosecurity risk remains. As well as FMD, these measures mitigate against incursions of other animal diseases circulating in the EU, including African swine fever, sheep pox and goat pox, peste des petits ruminants and lumpy skin disease.”

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While FMD presents no danger to people and Britain remains free of cases, it is an extremely infectious viral illness affecting cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed creatures including wild boar, deer, llamas and alpacas, with the European outbreak representing a substantial threat to agricultural enterprises and livestock.

The disease can trigger considerable financial damage through reduced productivity in infected animals, alongside the loss of international market access for livestock, meat and dairy products.

Ministers have already prohibited personal imports of cattle, sheep and other ruminants, along with pig meat and dairy products from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria following verified FMD outbreaks across those nations.

Restrictions on meat, dairy and animal products for human consumption The following items are strictly prohibited:.

These new restrictions apply solely to travellers entering Great Britain. Upon the announcement of the ban, Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner declared: “This government will do whatever it takes to protect British farmers from foot and mouth.

“That is why we are further strengthening protections by introducing restrictions on personal meat and dairy imports to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Britain’s food security.”

Information for travellers entering GB

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs clarified: “It is illegal for travellers from all EU countries entering Great Britain to bring items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into the country. This is regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.

“Detailed information is available for the public which sets out a limited set of exemptions from these rules. For example, a limited amount of infant milk, medical foods and certain composite products like chocolate, confectionery, bread, cakes, biscuits and pasta continue to be allowed.

“Those found with these items will need to either surrender them at the border or will have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with these items run the risk of incurring fines of up to £5,000 in England.”

It is estimated that between 40 and 75 per cent of people infected with the virus will die

Health experts have urged travellers to follow specific advice amid the outbreak of a potentially deadly virus. Cases of Nipah virus have been reported in parts of Asia.

In an update, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) explained that understanding the virus is “important” if you are planning to travel to one of the areas where it circulates. The natural hosts of the virus are fruit bats.

But there is evidence that Nipah virus can infect other animals. Human outbreaks of Nipah virus have only been identified in South and South-East Asia.

Most recently, an outbreak has been reported in West Bengal in India, however, previously affected countries include:

• Bangladesh
• India
• Malaysia
• The Philippines
• Singapore

Symptoms

According to the UKHSA, the incubation period (the time between becoming infected and symptoms appearing) is typically four to 21 days. Symptoms usually begin with the sudden – onset of non-specific flu-like illness or fever.

Pneumonia and other respiratory problems may also develop. The UKHSA said: “The most serious complication is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis, which typically develops three to 21 days after the initial illness begins.

“This is the hallmark of Nipah infection and is associated with a very high mortality rate.” The virus has a high mortality rate among humans.

“It is estimated that between 40 and 75 per cent of people infected with Nipah virus will die,” the UKHSA said. “Some survivors may be left with lasting neurological difficulties, including persistent seizures and personality changes.

“In rare cases, the virus can reactivate months or even years after the initial infection.”

Transmission

Human infections can occur through direct contact with an infected animal and their secretions. However, many infections result from the consumption of fruits or fruit products (such as raw or partially fermented date palm juice) contaminated with the poo, urine or saliva of infected fruit bats.

The UKHSA added: “Person-to-person spread is possible through close contact with an infected person or their body fluids. This has been documented in Bangladesh and India, most commonly among family members and close contacts caring for infected patients.

“Those with respiratory symptoms may pose a transmission risk.” Currently, there is no proven specific treatment for Nipah virus infection, and no preventative vaccine.

Advice for travellers

To stay safe, the UKHSA recommends the following steps if you are travelling to an affected area:

• Avoid contact with bats and their environments, and sick animals
• Don’t consume raw or partially fermented date palm sap – if consuming date palm juice, ensure it has been boiled first
• Wash all fruit thoroughly with clean water and peel before eating; avoid consuming fruit found on the ground or fruit that appears to have been partially eaten by animals
• Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals and during slaughter and culling procedures
• Practise good hand hygiene, particularly after caring for or visiting sick people
• Avoid close, unprotected contact with anyone infected with Nipah virus, including contact with their blood or body fluids

The UKHSA said: “If you develop symptoms while overseas in an endemic area, seek advice from a health professional immediately. If you develop symptoms after returning to the UK, contact your healthcare provider and make sure to mention your recent travel history.”

Jan. 26 (UPI) — People flocked to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo to say goodbye to the last two giant pandas in Japan.

Twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will leave for China Tuesday, marking the first time Japan has had no pandas since 1972, which is when the two countries began diplomatic relations.

The relationship between the two neighboring countries has deteriorated lately after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan would get involved if China attacked Taiwan.

China uses the giant panda as a tool of outreach and goodwill in what is called “panda diplomacy.” Host countries pay about $1 million per year to China.

Zoo visitors needed a reservation to see the pandas on Sunday, with 4,400 slots available, and 108,000 applying for them online, the Tokyo metropolitan government said. Some waited for up to 3 ½ hours to see the pair.

“I have been bringing my son here since he was a baby, so I hope it becomes a good memory for him. I’m glad we could come today to remember them,” Ai Shirakawa told the BBC.

The two were born in Japan in 2021 to their mother Shin Shin and father Ri Ri, who were on loan to Japan for breeding research. Ri Ri and Shin Shin went back to China in September 2024. The siblings’ older sister Xiang Xiang left in February 2023.

Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei became the last pandas in Japan after four others at the Adventure World amusement park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, left for China in June.