who we are

"Sima bô" in creole means "like you"

We are an organization dedicated to the care and protection of the local animal population based in the city of Mindelo, on the island of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, situated off the West Coast of Africa.

Our objective is inclusive of, but not limited to, helping the cats and dogs living on the streets, especially in the poor quarters, that are often found to be hurt, traumatized or held in appalling conditions.

Simabo offers treatment and recovery time for those animals in need of intensive care, possible victims of street accidents or from the systematic poisoning authorized by the City Council to control the canine population growth on the island.

Simabo also works to increase awareness in respect of animal rights to the local population, and offering advice on the protection and preservation of endangered species in threat of extinction.

If I worried about what other people thought about these animals, they would have nothing.
Silvia Punzo
Founder of Simabo

Whilst the central aim of Simabo is the direct care of animals in need we also focus on the promotion and involvement of the local population in activities, offer informative meetings at schools, in operative centers or throughout cultural and scientific initiatives.

Simabo has been accredited directly to specific projects through the involvement of veterinarian students from the University of Torino who can undertake their required 100 hours of rural internship here.

Furthermore, Simabo is participating in the University of Camerino’s leishmania project and in the University of Torino’s scab project.

Simabo vet surgery dog

Organizations, companies and journals we have worked with or appeared on:

simabo authority

At Simabo we are always looking and talent hunting for veterinarians and volunteers that would like to participate in the projects.

Everyone is welcome to visit our new shelter and to help with a donation in the form of field working, financial aid, and/or by the donation of materials (collars, leashes, anti fleas, holding cages for cats, etc).

[optin-form]
Book a room in our hostel

The Hostel finances our ONG Simabo, which takes care of the street dogs of the island.