Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (January 2016)?
Our volunteer at the Rescue Centre Joanne Stournara updates us on the events from 1-31 January 2016.
Although there usually aren’t many arrivals of injured turtles during the winter months (except for those suffering from hypothermia), this month seemed to follow the same pattern as the rest of the unusual, violent events taking place all over the planet.
Turtle news:
Turtles currently being treated: 23
This is a challenging number of turtles to care for during the winter months. The main problem is keeping the water in all the tanks at the proper temperature: Since turtles are cold-blooded like all reptiles, they cannot regulate their body temperature and are adversely affected by the cold.
‘Kasjpy’, a Caretta carretta (carapace length 66 cm, weight 32 kilos), arrived from Poros on 3 January 2016. She was bleeding from her mouth and about 20 cm of ingested fishing line was hanging out of it. The X-ray didn’t show any ingested hook, so the veterinarian gently tried to pull out some of the line by hand. About 2.7 meters of line was removed, but there is still more inside. Ingested fishing line is one of the most dangerous types of injuries for a sea turtle since the line can seriously damage a turtle’s internal organs and digestive track. She is being given special pharmaceutical oil to help her pass the remaining line naturally, if possible.
On 9 January 2016, a severely injured loggerhead arrived at the RC from Nafplio. The turtle had been the victim of a brutal attack by someone: her jaw was smashed and dislocated, and she had a long knife cut down her plastron, with several broken plastron pieces from stab wounds. Because the turtle was still alive, she was transported to the RC in the hope that something could be done to ease her suffering. Unfortunately, she died shortly after her arrival. A video reporting this incident and showing the turtle was filmed and posted online by a local news station and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9dS5fFkOfw (WARNING: the pictures are quite graphic!)
On 16 January 2016, ‘Niki’, a loggerhead (carapace length 21.3 cm, weight 1.5 kilos) was brought to the RC by a family who had found her washed ashore onto nearby Voula Beach. The turtle had visible injuries on her front left flipper and her plastron, possibly due to being thrown against the rocks by the waves. The turtle seemed to be suffering from hypothermia, and X-rays revealed that all her flippers were broken. Unfortunately, she would not eat and her small size added to her problems. She died on 22 January 2016.
On 21 January 2016, another turtle which had been found on the same beach in Nafplio as the unfortunate turtle found on 9 January, arrived at the RC. This turtle had similar injuries on its plastron: A long, deep cut down the whole length of it. The turtle had lost a lot of blood, and some of its internal organs were coming out from the cut. After examining the turtle, the veterinarian concluded that unfortunately nothing could be done to save it, and it passed away the night of 22 January. As with the first turtle, this incident was recorded and posted online: http://www.zougla.gr/perivallon/article/nafplio-epixirisi-diasosis-travmatismenis-8alasias-xelonas (WARNING: the pictures are quite graphic!)
We would like to thank all the caring people from all over Greece who helped rescue and transport these turtles!
Other news
If you have a few hours of free time each week and are interested in volunteering to help save sea turtles, please contact Yiannis or Polymnia at the RC at 6941 511 511. There is an official ARCHELON volunteer group, which meets regularly to help plan events, to talk about issues... and to relax and have fun.
Did you know...
Besides all the other dangers that sea turtles face, a new one has been brought to light by a team of researchers from Duke University, the University of Hawaii and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): pollution around the Hawaiian islands caused by high levels of nitrates from agricultural runoff is causing lethal tumors in the endangered sea turtle population. For more information and photos, see
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 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.