Joanne's Lifelong Passion: volunteering at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
"Many decades ago, when I was a small child living in Brooklyn, New York, I saw a documentary about sea turtles," recalls Joanne, a long-time volunteer at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. "From that moment on, I never forgot that video, and I've always been fascinated by these incredible creatures."
Joanne, originally from New York, has lived in Greece for the past 40 years. She first learned about the Rescue Centre upon retiring in 2008 and began volunteering here in 2010. "I discovered ARCHELON through a newspaper article many years ago," she explains, "and I had no idea such an incredible organization existed, and so close to my home!"
When Joanne first started volunteering, ARCHELON was a smaller operation. Her duties were varied, including data entry at the Rescue Centre office, assisting with turtle feeding and cleaning, and even contributing articles to the organization's website.
"Things have certainly changed since then," Joanne notes. "ARCHELON has expanded significantly, both in terms of its scope and its facilities." Today, Joanne dedicates every Saturday to volunteering, conducting tours for visitors who come to learn about sea turtle conservation.
"Volunteering at ARCHELON has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," she shares. "Not only do I feel like I'm contributing to the protection of a protected species, but I’ve also had the privilege of meeting incredible people from all over the world, all united by a common goal: to help sea turtles thrive. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to contribute, I wholeheartedly recommend volunteering at ARCHELON. You won’t be disappointed!"
Joanne’s story is a testament to the impact that volunteers have on ARCHELON’s mission. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and the contributions of all our volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of sea turtles. Among Joanne, we have many more dedicated part-time volunteers who have helped the Rescue Centre in great deal. Joanne is one of several dedicated part-time volunteers who contribute to the operations of the Rescue Centre.
- Watch Joanne’s story!
- Watch the video of Nektarios and his story with volunteering at the Rescue Centre. Stay tuned for more stories!
Do you live in Athens and want to contribute to a vital cause? Join our team of passionate volunteers and help us raise awareness about sea turtle conservation in Athens! Find out more here
Historic Green Sea Turtle Nest Discovered on Rhodes Island, Greece
2 years of joint systematic efforts to protect Greece's largest wetland
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS14/03/2025
Enriching the lives of rescued sea turtles
A recent study at ARCHELON's Sea Turtle Rescue Centre highlights the importance of environmental enrichment in improving the physical and psychological well-being of rescued sea turtles, aiding their rehabilitation and preparing them for successful release back into the wild.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2025
ARCHELON's Annual General Assembly
According to article 8 of the Statutes of ARCHELON Association, its’ members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, 22 February 2025.
- OUR NEWS20/02/2025
From the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre in Egypt!
A sea turtle, previously rehabilitated at the ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, has once again made headlines, this time internationally. The tagged turtle was discovered weak and injured on an Egyptian beach after the recent rough seas. This incident, as reported by the Egyptian news agency, underscores the ongoing need to protect the fragile Mediterranean marine environment.
- OUR NEWS17/02/2025
ARCHELON's turtle toy travels the country with students and teachers
We would like to warmly thank all the schools that participated in the Online Tours during the 2023-2024 school year and spread the message of sea turtle protection to the ends of the country! The online tours for the current school year have already started.
- 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 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.