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 NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- 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!