Notes of a volunteer (Part 2): Ηead trauma happens more often and is more serious than you think
Head trauma represents the most frequent type of injury at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre. These wounds are caused by collisions with boats or, more often, from deliberate hits on the head by humans. Jessica Van Damme who volunteered at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre for 6 weeks in 2023, shares more notes about what she learned while taking care of sea turtles with human caused injuries.
“I was shocked to hear that these wounds are inflicted by humans, and I was even more shocked to see how severe the injuries sometimes looked. Some of these head injuries results in brain exposure”, writes Jessica. Below are some more of her notes:
-
The rehabilitation of sea turtles who have suffered from head trauma is often long, as they lose the ability to control their buoyancy, most likely due to neurological damage caused by the trauma.
-
This means that instead of seeing them resting and swimming at the bottom of the rehabilitation tanks, they are always at the water surface because they are unable to dive. As their injuries heal, they regain the ability to control their buoyancy.
-
Most sea turtles that suffer from head trauma also initially present with anorexia. Getting them to regain their appetite can take months.
-
With the sea turtles that do not eat, we try to tempt them twice a day for at least 10 minutes. We hold a piece of fish with a forceps by their tank and hope that they will take a bite from the piece of fish.
-
For 5 weeks, Plum, Cherry and Ravioli were three of the sea turtles which had barely -if at all- eaten. In the last week of my stay, all 3 of them suddenly gained their appetite. Ravioli had arrived in the summer of 2022 and she had not properly eaten for almost a year!
-
Head trauma can also lead to loss of vision in turtles, which may be permanent. Even so, if a sea turtle can feed underwater independently, she can still survive in the wild. However, the rehabilitation length varies between turtles and ranges from several weeks to several months to years depending on the extent of the injuries.
-
A hugely rewarding feeling emanates when a turtle finally eats food, after you’ve spent so much time encouraging them to do so. Patience is everything with sea turtles.
-
Many of the injured sea turtles are able to make a full recovery and this shows how resilient they are as a species. It is also thanks to the fantastic work done by Eirini, the Rescue and Rehabilitation Officer and Mike, the Rehabilitation Assistant.
Thank you Jessica for taking the time to share your notes with everyone!
See the turtles that are currently being treated at the Rescue Centre and adopt one of them
When the past becomes a lighthouse for the future
Notes of a volunteer (Part 1): Jessica Van Damme was at the Rescue Centre
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.