ATTENTION! Please do not feed sea turtles – They are not pets- Protect them from human induced impacts
“Sea turtles are not like the domesticated animals we are familiar with. They live in the wild, usually travelling long distances at sea and rarely meet humans”, says Dimitris Fytilis, the manager of the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada Attikis. “However, in areas where a sea turtle associates human presence with food, it’s behavior changes. The turtle treats humans as well as other turtles as competitors in its feeding grounds and tries to drive them away with bites”, Dimitris continues.
So be careful! A turtle in the sea may chase you to drive you away from its habitat. Also, if it has been fed at this place by humans, it may approach you and bite you.
!
Why we should NOT feed turtles:
- It changes their natural behavior Regular human presence and feeding affect the wild behavior of turtles. They learn to associate human presence with food, resulting in them approaching boats or bathers, increasing the risk of injury or even death.
- It poses risks to public safety Sea turtles are wild animals and can react unpredictably, especially when they feel pressured or threatened. They have very powerful jaws and a bite that can cause serious injury.
- Human food is NOT suitable for turtles Turtles naturally feed on organisms such as jellyfish, providing an important ecosystem service. Human food (e.g. fish, bones, cooked food) disrupts their diet and health 4.Domestication does not help, it burdens them The regular habit of feeding or “petting” turtles makes them more vulnerable and difficult to manage, especially when conflicts with human activities arise. In most cases, relocating them elsewhere is not possible or reasonable.
How you can help:
-
Observe turtles from a distance, without touching or following them.
-
Inform those you see feeding them.
-
Share information – knowledge is power.
ARCHELON has faced similar incidents in areas such as Limeni in Mani, Zakynthos and Chania in Crete. Our experience clearly shows that feeding turtles is not a sign of care – it is a serious disruption of the natural balance.
Let us respect the sea and the life forms that inhabit it. Sea turtles need to be protected from human disturbances.
For more information:
- Dimitris Fytilis, Rescue Centre Officer: 6944929622, rc.officer@archelon.gr
ARCHELON’s Life-Saving Chain with the Support of the Green Fund
New Info Station in Kyparissia Opens for LIFE MareNatura Project
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
Against All Odds: A Story of Marine Resilience from Amvrakikos Gulf
One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!
- OUR NEWS29/12/2025
“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals"
- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- 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.