...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 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.
- OUR NEWS17/09/2024
Successful wrap up of Amvrakikos project for 2024 marking two decades of dedicated work
ARCHELON is a beacon of hope for sea turtles in Greece's Amvrakikos Gulf. From rescuing injured turtles to monitoring their population characteristics and their migration patterns, ARCHELON's work has been contributing to the survival of these protected animals for the last 20 years.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2024
Educational Programs 2024-2025: Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists with ARCHELON!
Last year, 15,000 students arrived at the Rescue Centre and were fascinated by the wonders of sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS02/09/2024
LIFE MareNatura Marine Conservation School: ARCHELON and NECCA train staff to protect sea turtles
This pioneer Training Seminar titled "Management and protection of the Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas species" was designed with the aim of transferring special and necessary knowledge for the protection of the sea turtles from the competent bodies.
- OUR NEWS30/08/2024
Local Resort leads the way in protecting Zakynthos' sea turtles
In the summer of 2023, Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Resort stepped forward to support ARCHELON's mission adopting 70 turtle nests!
- OUR NEWS27/08/2024
ARCHELON Launches Comprehensive Study to Protect Sea Turtle Nesting Sites
- OUR NEWS05/08/2024
A Major Leap for Sea Turtle Conservation: Tracking Loggerheads Across the Mediterranean
Last month our team successfully completed the attachment of satellite transmitters to 20 individuals found near the beaches of west and south Peloponnese as well as those of Crete.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2024
Urgent Call for Volunteers: Are you looking for a meaningful adventure? Join in to save sea turtle hatchlings!
We’re urgently seeking volunteers to help protect sea turtles in Greece during August and September. Come and help the hatchlings reach the sea! ARCHELON will offer discounts to the first 50 volunteers who sign up now for the projects.
- OUR NEWS29/07/2024
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Vacationing on a beautiful Greek beach with a sea view? You can be a hero for baby sea turtles!
- OUR NEWS15/07/2024
Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.
- OUR NEWS26/06/2024
Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
Not all beaches on Greece's extensive coastline are suitable for sea turtle nesting, but sometimes these marine reptiles surprise us! This summer, ARCHELON is asking for your help to investigate a phenomenon called "sporadic nesting".
- OUR NEWS17/06/2024
ATTENTION! Sea turtles are not pets: Do not touch them or feed them!
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.