A surprise for the visitors of Zakynthosʼ National Marine Park
On Monday 4th June, a few hours before the scheduled release of sea turtle named "Hermione” after her rehabilitation at the ARCHELON Rescue Center, a volunteer team of ARCHELON detected a nest laid very near to the sea on Kalamaki Beach. According to specific protocols, the nest had to be relocated to a safer distance from the sea, to reduce the risk of inundation from the sea. This was a great event for guests of the beach, as such cases are uncommon.

Upon completion of the relocation of the nest, the release of "Hermione" was held as planned. The turtle was transported to the beach where approximately 300 guests had come to wish her ‘Bon voyage’. “Hermione” was transferred to the boat of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, from which she was released back into the blue waters of the Ionian Sea.

"Hermione" was found injured in the protected area of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos in early 2018 and transferred to the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Glyfada, Athens. We would like to thank the Aegean Airlines who kindly donated the flight for “Hermione” to Zakynthos, and the businesses Avalon Hotel, Nefis Travel, Atlantica Eleon Grand Resort and Spa and Castelli Hotel who generously covered the cost of Hermione’s treatment in the Rescue Centre.
Tribute to World Sea Turtle Day, 16 June 2018
The first Caretta caretta nest of 2018 in Lakonikos Bay
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