“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
Just before we say goodbye to the year, we received a gift that filled us with warmth and strength. Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals” (Opportuna Publications, in greek,), which serve as the most beautiful reward for our work. It is the story of an unexpected encounter on a wintry beach in Attica, where human care meets the raw power of nature.
“All alone on a wintry Attica beach, we had just finished our swim and were enjoying the view of the snowy triangular peak of Mount Ochi across the water, when we heard a car parking on the asphalt behind us. It was a white van with four or five people. […] Together, they carried a heavy, long box and placed it on the sand a little further down from us” Kristi describes in her memories. Inside the box was no secret, but a sea turtle of enormous proportions. The animal had traveled injured from Amorgos and after several months of treatment at the ARCHELON Rescue Centre in Glyfada, she was finally ready that day to return to her home.
“They lifted her out of the box and placed her on the wet winter sand. The turtle stayed still for a few seconds as if stunned, looking ahead, sometimes at the lightly foaming edge of the waves and sometimes at the horizon across. […] She turned her head toward where we were sitting, and gave us a deep, almost human look! An unforgettable gaze! […] A girl from the group came behind it and pushed the turtle lightly forward, as if she wanted to make it understand that, yes, you are going the right way, that is your home.”
This moment, which Kristi captured with such tenderness in her diary and her sketch, is the heart of our work. For us, this “unforgettable gaze” is the greatest moral reward. It is a reminder that acts of care stay alive in memory and inspire people. We warmly thank Kristi Stassinopoulou for her kindness and support. Every story of yours, every memory of your contact with sea turtles, reminds us why we continue: to protect these unique animals and the marine ecosystems that host them.
As we prepare for the new year, we hold onto this image of hope. We continue together. Happy and creative New Year to everyone!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
Unprecedented appearance of Leatherback Turtle on a Mediterranean beach
A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment
- OUR NEWS06/11/2025
6th Year of Online Tours: The sea turtles are traveling across Greece once again!
Students from every corner of the country, as well as from international schools, have the opportunity to learn up close about the lives of the turtles cared for at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, Attica, and to discover how rescue efforts impact the marine world.
- OUR NEWS31/10/2025
The lecture turned into reality: A real turtle rescue for the students from Kallithea!
The students spotted a sea turtle floating in the water right after their educational tour of the ARCHELON Rescue Centre and immediately notified the rescuers.
- OUR NEWS24/10/2025
LIFE MareNatura Documentary Premier
From seabird monitoring and genetic sampling, to unique underwater footage of marine mammals, the testimonies of scientists bring to life the hidden stories of the sea.
- OUR NEWS23/10/2025
ARCHELON participates in the "Science Festival 2025 – The Voice of the Ocean"
The French Institute of Greece is organizing a celebration from 10 to 27 November 2025 dedicated to science and the ocean! World premiere of the LIFE MareNatura documentary on November 13th.
- OUR NEWS22/10/2025
Kyparissia Bay: ARCHELON Records 6,100 Nests and Calls on the State to Immediately Implement the National Action Plan for the Loggerhead
In 2025 approximately 6,100 nests were recorded, marking a 74% increase compared to the average of the previous 12 years!
- OUR NEWS10/10/2025
We bid farewell to a devoted environmentalist and friend, Yiannis Roussopoulos.