Jo Farrow’s sea turtle journey: from Zakynthos to Ascension Island and back!
Jo has been a remarkable leader for the public awareness activity in the Zakynthos project for a number of years. She has trained many volunteers, has given hundreds of presentations herself and has help a great deal in raising funds for the project.
It’s August 2019 and the hatchlings from the beaches of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos are rushing to the sea in the best possible way. The major conservation issue in Zakynthos now, is that hundreds of turtle spotting boats are disrespecting the code of conduct for observations daily in Laganas Bay. There is now proof of the collisions of boats with turtles and they damage they have been causing year after year on a number of animals.
All this will not stop us from marking the return of Jo Farrow in ARCHELON’s sea turtle conservation project on Zakynthos! Jo has been a remarkable leader for the public awareness activity in the Zakynthos project for a number of years. She has trained many volunteers, has given hundreds of presentations herself and has help a great deal in raising funds for the project. From loggerheads on Zakynthos she moved to green turtles on Ascension island but she is back to celebrate her 10th year with us! Let’s hear about this journey by her own words:
“Back in 2010, I traveled to Zakynthos for the first time to volunteer with ARCHELON for 6 weeks. I did not know what to expect from my first conservation project, but for sure I fell in love with this experience. So, when I was offered the role of public awareness coordinator for ARCHELON, I accepted immediately and kept coming year after year. I’ve spent 4 nesting season on this riole!
But 2018 was the year I decided it was time for a change. I took my love of turtles to another island, a tiny little island in the middle of the south Atlantic. I applied for a position as a turtle intern on Ascension Island and thanks to all my previous experience with ARCHELON, I was offered the position!
Although I missed the beautiful loggerheads in Zakynthos, I really enjoyed my unique experience of working with the green turtles on this crazy island. The nest numbers there were far beyond what I could ever have imagined with us reaching the entire nest count of Zakynthos in only a few weeks.
Although I have been seeing turtles daily and enjoyed working on the beautiful untouched beaches out there, I could not wait to return back in the place where I belong. Although Zakynthos may not have as many turtles and certainly doesn't have as many nests, I will always see it as my home.»
Thank you and happy 10th anniversary Jo!
Green turtle nesting on Cretan beach is confirmed!
Many strandings of sea turtles in Lakonikos Bay during the first half of this summer
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS12/02/2025
Online Presentation of Results 2024
Last year, 500 volunteers from all over the world came to help turtles in Greece! What did they achieve? Join us to find out!
- OUR NEWS11/02/2025
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
This species is globally endangered and the recent discovery is particularly significant as it suggests a possible shift in green turtle breeding areas.
- OUR NEWS04/02/2025
Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Joanne's lifelong passion for sea turtles led her to volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Greece, where she dedicates her time to educating visitors and contributing to the organization's conservation efforts.
- OUR NEWS02/02/2025
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
- OUR NEWS28/01/2025
The ARCHELON Recap for 2024: We kept on fighting for Sea Turtles and the protection of the Oceans
2024 was the year that the recovery of the loggerhead sea turtle breeding population in Kyparissia Bay has been confirmed! This site now hosts the largest breeding population in the Mediterranean, which has been growing steadily in the past years thanks to the consistent long-term nest protection efforts of ARCHELON. It was also the warmest year globally on record when, on the side of our heavy core business workload, we made time to strengthen our commitment to volunteerism and sustainable tourism.
- OUR NEWS20/01/2025
Thank You to our 2024 Field Leaders: The Heart of Sea Turtle Conservation
At ARCHELON, we owe much of our success to the dedication and passion of our Field Leaders. These incredible individuals guide our volunteers throughout their work in the field, ensuring that our mission to protect sea turtles is carried out with precision, care, and enthusiasm.
- OUR NEWS16/01/2025
The sweet side of healing: Why honey is a secret weapon for saving injured sea turtles.
The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of honey help fight infections in open wounds, a common problem for injured sea turtles.
- 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.