Βecome an ARCHELON volunteer. You will certainly not regret it!
I finished my degree in Veterinary Science in September and wanted to offer my help to a welfare centre before continuing my studies. Before applying for a place to participate with ARCHELON, I did a course on marine mammals and sea turtlesʼ veterinary medicine. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to look for an organization that works with marine animals. Thanks to the Leonardo DaVinci Program, I was able to complete all the necessary paperwork to arrange my stay at the ARCHELON Rescue Centre as a veterinary trainee for six months.
So far the experience here has been amazing! It is a real hands-on experience with the turtles. I have been able to work in all the aspects of sea turtle rehabilitation, including administering the required medication, treating the injuries, learning how to take biometric data, and observing turtleʼs behavior. I have also had the chance to assist in a surgery and, sadly, learned a lot from performing autopsies. Moreover, volunteers also help with the rescue network and raising public awareness. Sometimes the work can be exhausting, but it is very rewarding. All the people related to the project are really nice and always willing to give a hand. You meet a lot of wonderful people from all around the world and make really good friends!
My plans for the future include volunteering again with ARCHELON in their Zakynthos beach project in order to learn more about this fascinating world of the sea turtles. However, I will be in Cape Verde by the end of the nesting season because I have been selected for a job there, thanks to the experience acquired with ARCHELON. Therefore, I can only encourage anyone with an interest in sea turtles to apply to become an ARCHELON volunteer. You will certainly not regret it!
**Gabriela Picó, Spanish
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Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre?
An Art auction supports ARCHELONʼs efforts
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS09/11/2026
The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles Begins in Marathon, Attica – Organized by ARCHELON
The week’s scientific program includes 9 keynote addresses, 12 workshops, 48 oral presentations, and 150 poster presentations of research work.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2026
ARCHELON's Virtual Tours Return for the 2026–2027 School Year!
A new school year filled with knowledge, creativity, and sea turtles is about to begin! Bookings for ARCHELON's virtual tours open on Monday, October 26, while the first tours will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026.
- OUR NEWS21/10/2026
Incident on Polyaigos Island: ARCHELON Calls on Authorities to Investigate the Death of a Sea Turtle
- OUR NEWS14/10/2026
The examinations behind every diagnosis: A vital step in sea turtle rehabilitation
This is where diagnostic examinations play a crucial role. X-rays are an invaluable tool for our rehabilitation team, both upon admission and throughout the recovery process, helping us determine the appropriate treatment and monitor each turtle’s progress.
- OUR NEWS09/10/2026
“Guardians of our ancient sea”: The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles takes place in Greece
The conference is expected to host 240 delegates from 20 Mediterranean countries, including leading researchers and scientists, as well as representatives from protected area management bodies and environmental organizations.
- OUR NEWS06/10/2026
A Wildlife Weekend at the Museum
On the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, ARCHELON participated in the "Wild Weekend", a two-day celebration dedicated to wildlife at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.
- OUR NEWS01/10/2026
October for sea turtles: Help us care for our sea turtle patients this winter
This October, we are launching a fundraising campaign with one clear goal: to raise €5,000 to support the care of our sea turtle patients through the end of 2026.
- OUR NEWS25/09/2026
Together for Crete’s nesting beaches: "Turtle-Friendly Hotel" award ceremonies in Chania and Rethymno
ARCHELON hosted the award ceremonies for the new Turtle-Friendly Hotel certification, as part of the TUI Turtle Aid Greece program in Crete.
- OUR NEWS23/09/2026
We bade farewell to Omiros, the blind sea turtle that traveled from Greece to Cornwall
In September 2026 Omiros, a male Loggerhead sea turtle with a remarkable story, passed away. He had spent the last 16 years of his life at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, having traveled there from Greece.
- OUR NEWS10/09/2026
Sea turtles kept in a restaurant tank in Chania: True love for nature begins with respect.
We all feel a sense of excitement when we encounter a wild animal up close. It is only natural to want to connect with nature, observe it and understand it better.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2026
Schools are back at ARCHELON! A new year full of learning and action
The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS06/09/2026
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
When Amy Carey was 10 years old, she came face to face with a sea turtle while on holiday in Greece. Decades later, at 47, she decided it was time to turn that childhood memory into reality.
- OUR NEWS13/08/2026
Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!
- OUR NEWS10/08/2026
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
A significant victory for the protection of sea turtles in Chania, thanks to the direct cooperation of ARCHELON and NECCA.