Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (January-February 2017)?
Our volunteer at the Rescue Centre Joanne Stournara updates us on the events in January and February 2017.
Day Volunteers: Six day volunteers received a symbolic gift of appreciation from ARCHELON at the annual pita-cutting event: Dionysis Arvanitakis, John Brinkman, Jane Mantarakis, Irene Kasimatis, Phil Miller, and me. (For details, see http://www.archelon.gr/eng/ournews.php?row=row10&nid=894)
“For most of the wild things on Earth, the future must depend on the conscience of mankind.”
This quote by the famous sea turtle conservationist Archie Carr (1909-1987) seemed an appropriate way to begin this report, the first of the new year. (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Archie_Carr/)
Usually things are quiet at the RC during the early winter months, with all the injured turtles safely sheltered in their heated tanks within the greenhouse, receiving treatment and preparing to be released in the spring. In fact, usually few if any turtles are admitted for treatment during this time. This may be due to a combination of factors, such as less people out boating or fishing, and the sea turtles are either brumating (= the form of hibernation characteristic of reptiles) or have moved to warmer waters.
For the last several years, due to climate change (an example of the negative effects of “the conscience of mankind”), the weather in Greece has been characterized by relatively mild winters. However, this year was quite different, with periods of mild weather suddenly changing to harsh winter conditions with low or freezing temperatures, then briefly warm again, then suddenly cold. As a result, a number of sea turtles were cold struck, and were either stranded on the sea surface or washed ashore. Emergency measures had to be taken to accommodate these turtles at the RC and to treat them for hypothermia.
Many thanks to the volunteers who had the difficult task of caring for both the turtles already being treated plus the new arrivals. Thanks also to everyone involved in rescuing and transporting the turtles, and to the ARCHELON supporters whose generosity helped the RC manage the unexpected economic demands. All of you are examples of the positive effects of “the conscience of mankind”.
ARRIVALS
“Iraklis” (“Hercules”) arrived on 3 February 2017 from Rhodos. The turtle, whose carapace measures 74 cm and who weighs 46 kilos, was found to have an ingested hook. (Needless to say the turtle was named after the legendary ancient Greek half-god hero Hercules, son of the god Zeus and the mortal Alcmene.)
“Polyphytos”, whose carapace measures 78.0 cm and who weighs 58.0 kilos, arrived from Leros on 15 February, suffering from hypothermia. (The turtle is named after the artificial lake Polyphytos in northern Greece, which is known for the famous – and longest in Greece – bridge which traverses it.)
“Theodora”, who arrived on 16 February from Rethymno, has a carapace measuring 24.0 cm and weighs only 1.5 kilos. The turtle has no visible injuries, but is very debilitated and covered with barnacles. The turtle was named after the woman who found her, and it means “Gift of God”.
“Valentina” arrived on 17 February from Thessaloniki, suffering from hypothermia. The turtle’s carapace measures 73 cm, and she weighs 42.5 kilos.
DEATHS
“Marina”, who arrived on 30 January 2017, died shortly after her arrival.
Did you know...
ARCHELON Volunteers in Greece is a group of local volunteers who meet regularly. They do various jobs at the RC, plan and organize RC special events, represent ARCHELON at information tables at various educational and public events, participate in fund-raising and public awareness activities, and have fun at the same time. If you are interested in joining, please contact the ARCHELON Volunteer Officer Hara Papailiou at volunteers@archelon.gr.
Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (March 2017)?
ARCHELON in a colorful action in the center of Athens
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- 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.