...how wonderful it was, and how proud and grateful I am for this fantastic experience to help save the turtles...
In 1996, following a successful campaign, the WWF bought the land behind the beach of Sekania. As a little girl I was proud too. This was also a little ʽmyʼ beach! About 5 years ago, my mother went on a brief holiday with her sisters to Aghios Sostis, Zakynthos. She was shocked to see the cars and buses on the beach of Laganas. Spoke to some ARCHELON volunteers and bought me an ARCHELON turtle necklace as a souvenir of a wonderful holiday.
This year I wanted something completely different during my summer. I wanted to get away from my normal life for a while, but didnʼt know what to do. Iʼve always been in love with the Greek islands, but didnʼt feel like doing nothing and only lie on a beach for a month. I already knew about other turtle conservation projects, but though this was only in Costa Rica and other distant scary places. I was thrilled to find ARCHELON on line and found out that I could join a turtle protection project in my beloved Greece! My mum remembered the necklace and the volunteers she spoke to. She said they looked like they were having fun in their hippy-camp so I would probably love it. Then something clicked in my head. Wait a minute...Zakynthos? Turtles? Yes, as it turned out it was even a project which also worked on the beach I helped preserve!
Then, a few days ago, it finally happened; I had a morning survey on Sekania! It was as Oprah would say: “A bit of a full circle moment”. During the walk down the cliffs, this private turtle beach unveiled itself. The sunrise in Sekania was breathtaking, and although Iʼd seen hatchlings before, here I saw them going into the sea for the first time. Swimming enthusiastically and in great numbers towards a life of great danger and unknown adventures, to return to this very beach years and years later. I could relate to them. On the climb back into the real world I looked back at Sekania, how wonderful it was, and how proud and grateful I am for this fantastic experience to help save the turtles, on this beautiful island full of olive trees.
Wendy Talhout Volunteer for ARCHELON July 25 – August 22, 2009
The sea turtles of Zakynthos winter in Tunisia and in the northern Adriatic Sea!
ARCHELON's volunteers in Crete strive for the viability of Caretta caretta population
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.