A second chance in life for two more turtles!
“Nondas” and “Aristotelis” were two turtles that have spent over a year in the ARCHELON rehabilitation center. They were successfully released back into the open sea the 21st of June 2011.
It corresponded with the beginning of our education program with the “People to People” Student ambassador program which takes place every year between mid-June and mid July. These groups have been supporting us for quite a few years now helping us by visiting the rescue center, doing volunteer duties or sponsoring a satellite transmitter for the monitoring of turtles.
“Aristotelis” was found in Thessaloniki on the 25th of August 2009. He was a juvenile loggerhead of 40cm and a weight of 9kg and was luckily brought to the Veterinarian University where he was first treated. He was named after the University. He had a small head injury which was healing well but causing him to dive with great difficulty. He was fitted with a counter weight and received antibiotics and drips to deal with his buoyancy disorder. He started eating first by hand then from the bottom of the tank. He spent a lot of time on surface preventing him from a safe release. We finally decide to place him in spring in a bigger tank forcing him to spend time on the bottom.
I would like to take a minute to emphasize that the names given to the turtles are not chosen randomly. They are given by the people who found them and participated in their release. This creates a sense of pride and responsibility leading to more awareness from the people to the local communities. This change of attitude is important since we canʼt be present everywhere that a turtle gets injured. Since I started this, my relation with these important people has become more personal, moved to a first name basis, and made it possible to meet some of them. I have personally regained hope in human nature which encourages me to promote this positive energy rather than blame the few irresponsible idiots that try to kill these pacifist creatures.
Thanks to all!
Pavlos Tsaros
Tourists meet ARCHELON
The Agiannakis Environmental Station is revived once again
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
Unprecedented appearance of Leatherback Turtle on a Mediterranean beach
A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
LIFE MareNatura Documentary Premier
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.
- OUR NEWS02/10/2025
Jane Goodall’s words still warm our hearts
Thank you, Dr. Goodall, for all that you have taught us and for the life example you have left behind.