28/10/2024

A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction

A few kilometers away from Lefkada lies the relatively unknown Kastos, a tiny island included in the protected area of the Inner Ionian Archipelago (NATURA 2000). This area is particularly important for the protected marine mammals of the Mediterranean. We were to learn more about it this summer, when a visiting environmentalist made a heartbreaking report to ARCHELON: an embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the island’s taverns. The embalmed animal still bears the special tags with which it was marked by ARCHELON researchers during the recording of its nesting in Zakynthos in 2008. Unfortunately, the death of the animal must have come some time later, but was never reported to the authorities and the prescribed sanitary burial was never carried out. Instead, the animal was embalmed and used as a tourist attraction.

βαλσαμωμένη χελώνα

Sea turtles are protected animals under both Greek and international law. Specifically, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1973), trading and trafficking of alive or embalmed specimens is strictly prohibited. These provisions are known to taxidermists around the world and today animal taxidermy is rare and is done mainly for the study of specimens in zoological museums. The incident in Kastos was a stark reminder of the ongoing threats facing protected species and the constant need for raising public awareness to avoid violations of these regulations.

Upon learning of the situation, ARCHELON immediately notified the competent authorities and urged them to confiscate the embalmed animal and ensure that such a disturbing display does not happen again. Fortunately, the Authorities moved quickly to confiscate the speciment with the consent of the tavern’s owners. This incident highlights the importance of raising public awareness and spreading a sense of respect for marine life.

For instructions on what to do if you come across a dead sea turtle on the Greek coastline see here.

RECENT NEWS

  1. OUR NEWS
    14/03/2025

    Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles

    A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.

    Read more
  2. OUR NEWS
    24/02/2025

    ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly

    According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.

    Read more
  3. OUR NEWS
    20/02/2025

    From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!

    A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.

    Read more
  4. OUR NEWS
    17/02/2025

    ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers

    We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.

    Read more
  5. OUR NEWS
    12/02/2025

    Online Presentation of Results 2024

    Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!

    Read more
  6. OUR NEWS
    11/02/2025

    Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece

    This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.

    Read more
  7. OUR NEWS
    04/02/2025

    Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre

    Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.

    Read more
  8. OUR NEWS
    02/02/2025

    2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland

    Read more
  9. OUR NEWS
    28/01/2025

    The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans

    2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.

    Read more
  10. OUR NEWS
    20/01/2025

    Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation

    At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.

    Read more
  11. OUR NEWS
    16/01/2025

    The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.

    The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.

    Read more
  12. OUR NEWS
    18/12/2024

    An injured Loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ARCHELON Rescue Centre with plastics in its digestive system.

    Greece has made progress in cutting down on plastic bag use, but we all need to do more. Sea pollution from plastic is still a major threat, harming both people and marine life.

    Read more
  13. OUR NEWS
    06/12/2024

    ARCHELON is on the Frontline of Sea Turtle Rescue in the Mediterranean.

    For the first time, we have conducted CT scans for accurate diagnoses and started special blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of sea turtles under our care.

    Read more
  14. OUR NEWS
    03/12/2024

    Summer 2025: Lead the Way in Sea Turtle Conservation and become a Field Leader with ARCHELON!

    A limited number of experienced and capable volunteers are selected each year for the positions of Field Leaders on the ARCHELON projects. Applications and short CVs for 2025 are now accepted!

    Read more
  15. OUR NEWS
    25/11/2024

    Make this gift-giving season more magical: Adopt a Sea Turtle for your loved ones!

    Whether it's for the wildlife lover in your life, or someone who cares about the planet, an adoption from ARCHELON is a present that keeps on giving.

    Read more
1 out of 0
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Learn about our latest actions and find out about our programs and how you can help sea turtles!