Joanne, whatʼs new at the Rescue Centre (May 2016)?
Our volunteer at the Rescue Centre Joanne Stournara updates us on the events from 1-31 May 2016.
As we are entering the busy summer season, more volunteers will be needed (on a daily and long-term basis) to take care of the turtles. If you are interested in helping, please contact Pavlos Tsaros at rescue@archelon.gr
Number of turtles currently being treated: 24
Now that summer temperatures have arrived in Greece, turtles who have recovered their health are getting ready to be released.
Turtle news
Arrivals
‘Emilia’ arrived on the 28 May 2016 from Thessaloniki with a severe head injury intentionally caused by human hands. It’s too early to know what her progress will be.
‘Pounda’ arrived on 31 May 2016 from Preveza with a severe injury on the left side of her head which has affected her eye. The injury was intentionally inflicted by human hands. It’s too early to know what her progress will be.
Deaths
Unfortunately, a number of the newly-arrived, seriously injured turtles did not survive.
‘Kavouri’, (carapace length 40 cm and weight 10 kilos) who arrived on 24 April 2016 from Kavouri, had an ingested hook and line as well as a large injury on the back of his carapace (cause unknown). He had surgery which successfully removed the hook. He was recuperating well, had started eating, and even eliminated the line naturally, but against all the odds, he died on 26 May 2016.
‘Luna’ arrived from Oropos on 28 May 2016. The turtle was very emaciated, and unfortunately died on the same day.
‘Sylvia’, a loggerhead (25 cm carapace length, weight 1.8 kg) arrived from Finikounda on 25 May 2016 with an ingested hook and line and carapace injuries on her right side. She was very emaciated and, unfortunately, nothing could be done to save her. She died on 29 May 2016.
‘Sunny’, a loggerhead (67.0 cm carapace length, weight 29 kg, had arrived on 10 Aug 2015 with very serious carapace injuries and a missing flipper. The carapace injury affected her spine, ultimately leading to her death.
‘Petros’, a loggerhead (70 cm carapace length, weight 42 kg) arrived 5 March 2016 from Kefalonia with a severe head injury. The turtle had been rescued and sent to the RC by the local Kefalonia animal protection group Wildlife Sense. Unfortunately, he died on 23 May 2016.
Other news
Did you know...
For non-Greek speakers, here is a brief summary of the organization’s objections:
"Open Letter from 14 environmental organizations to Deputy Environment Minister John Tsironi; Published on: 18/05/2016
The signatory environmental organizations believe that this 'carte blanche' concession of protected fragile coastal ecosystems of the country to local authorities (‘OTA’) will lead to considerable degradation of the areas, as it is not possible to control the number of concessions which will be made, in which areas they will occur, and what the type of development will be."
(Note that the law is still under discussion, and hopefully will be improved).
Thanks to volunteer help and public support, “Eleuthir-Leon” is back in the sea swimming free
Over 1.000 Caretta caretta nests in Southern Kyparissiakos Bay!
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- 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.