Every adoption represents hope, and a wish…that everything will be all right
There is great power in the image of a turtle entering the water and slowly but steadily swimming away from the shore, while the divers of ARCHELON follow it at a distance. The anguish of the volunteers on the shore is evident until they see one of the divers signaling success from afar. Then joy overwhelms them because everything went well.
The turtles that have been so far released to sea from the Rescue Centre in 2021 have reached the number 31. "In every release we tried to invite people who support our work, so that they can feel its joy," says Daphne Mavrogiorgou, Director of ARCHELON.
«We deeply thank all those who helped, from the moment each turtle was found and transported to the Rescue Centre, until its release, and especially our volunteers and supporters. We would also like to express our warm thanks to The Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), for supporting our actions within the project "Treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles in the natural environment" for the period between October 8, 2021 - December 31, 2021, but also for the valuable presence of Ms. Dionysia Hatzilakou at the release of "Rachel" and Mr. Nikolaos Karavas at the release of "Valentine" and "Moon"» said Dimitris Fytilis, manager of the Rescue Centre.
Sixty adoptions of sick or injured turtles and several donations contributed to the costs of caring for the turtles in 2021. The adoptions were made by companies, individuals, but also schools, such as the 5th Primary School of Kalymnos. Their support in rescuing these animals is significant.
Sea turtles are an indicator of a healthy marine ecosystem. The presence of plastic litter in the sea, the transfer of micro plastics in the marine trophic webs, overfishing, abandoned nets and fishery equipment as well as climate change, are threats to the turtles as to the wellbeing of humans. Sadly, humans are also threatening sea turtles directly. Almost half of the turtles arriving at the Rescue Centre are deliberately injured by humans.
Every adoption gives hope and a wish to solve the problem, so that everything will be all right. Adopt a hatchling, a mother turtle, or a sick / injured turtle for Christmas now.
You can see how on our website.
See our list of supporters for 2020-2021.
VOLUNTEER FOR THE SEA TURTLE PROJECTS IN 2022
Turtle-challenge 4: «Hatchlings in danger» – Send us a story about the protection of sea turtles on the beach where they are born
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS18/12/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS06/12/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS03/12/2024
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!
- OUR NEWS25/11/2024
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.
- OUR NEWS18/11/2024
A Nest of Hope: Keanu's Journey with ARCHELON
Keanu Groeneveld, a Wildlife Management student from the Netherlands, recently completed an internship with ARCHELON at the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Rethymno, Crete. His experience was more than ever expected; it was a transformative journey that ignited his passion for wildlife conservation.
- OUR NEWS12/11/2024
Turtle protection through satellite trackers: TUI Care Foundation and conservation organisation ARCHELON release sea turtle in Greece
Triton was released back into the Mediterranean Sea with a satellite transmitter after several months of rehabilitation at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme, the initiative aims to contribute valuable insights into sea turtle behaviour.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2024
A very exciting nesting record confirms the recovery of the Loggerhead population breeding in Kyparissia Bay, Greece!
This year, ARCHELON has recorded a new nesting record: 6,700 Loggerhead nests in the core nesting area of Kyparissia Bay.
- OUR NEWS28/10/2024
A wildlife symbol turned into a macabre tourist attraction
Αn embalmed Loggerhead sea turtle was found on public display in front of one of the Kastos island’s taverns.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2024
Growing Beyond Boundaries: A Volunteer's Transformation
“Through volunteering in Chania, I was able to go beyond my limits and discover a new world,” says Hyerim Ryu, explaining her motivation and sharing her experience of 5 weeks volunteering with ARCHELON.
- OUR NEWS18/10/2024
Is there any progress on establishing an all-embracing Marine Park in the Ionian Sea?
We are awaiting the results of the study with great interest, as the establishment of the new Marine Park in the Ionian Sea will be a landmark for the protection of sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS16/10/2024
Greece's Marine Protected Areas remain unprotected
A new report, by nine environmental organizations, identifies serious deficiencies in the protection of the most important Greek marine habitats, stressing the urgent need for immediate action
- OUR NEWS14/10/2024
2025 Projects: Is it your turn to save the sea turtles?
ARCHELON is thrilled to announce the volunteering projects for 2025. If you're passionate about nature conservation and eager to make a positive impact, we invite you to join our dedicated team of volunteers.
- OUR NEWS30/09/2024
Reunite with Your Passion: Become an ARCHELON Ambassador!
Are you passionate about sea turtle conservation and want to make a positive impact on their survival? Becoming an ARCHELON ambassador is a fantastic way to contribute to this important cause.
- OUR NEWS27/09/2024
Transforming Rethymno: Sustainable tourism opportunities with the sea turtle as ambassador
With sea turtles as its ambassadors, Rethymno has the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable tourism. By offering responsible ecotourism experiences, the tourism industry can create a legion of passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
- OUR NEWS18/09/2024
Counting the Loggerhead nests in Zakynthos - the work of an army of ants
For the past 41+ years, ARCHELON has been counting annually nests laid by loggerhead turtles on the island of Zakynthos, one of most important nesting areas in the Mediterranean.