Penelope returns to her Ithaca in the Ionian Sea
About two months ago, an adult loggerhead sea turtle was found on the island of Kefalonia and she appeared to have swallowed fishing lines. Residents of the island helped to transport the turtle named "Penelope" to the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Glyfada in Athens.
During the medical examinations, 2 small hooks were found stack in Penelope’s esophagus. Immediately it was decided by the veterinarian and specialized staff of ARCHELON to proceed with the removal of the line and hooks. The operation was successful, Penelope fully recovered and the time for her to return to the Ionian Sea had come.
The release point was decided to be the coast of the Kyparissia Bay which has been declared as a Nature Protection Area because of its great ecological value. Among other things, it hosts the largest number of loggerhead nests in the Mediterranean and is part of the Natura 2000 network.
On Monday, August 12 at 7:30 pm, many locals and visitors came to Kalo Nero beach in order to observe and admire Penelope as she entered the sea.
The beach of Kalo Nero village is in the core of the nesting area of Kyparissia Bay. There was an unexpectedly high turnout of locals and visitors, which was heartwarming for the volunteers of ARCHELON. Penelope hesitated a bit and then decisively entered the sea and disappeared gracefully into the Ionian Sea.
ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece has been dedicated to the protection of the Kyparissia Bay, as well as all other nesting areas in Greece, for more than 35 years. We hope that, with the reintroduction of Penelope, the central motto of ARCHELON “Humans and Turtles: We can all live together” reached many people’s hearts and minds.
Info: Giannis Chalkias, Project Officer for the Western Peloponnese, tel: 00306932285817.
ARCHELON’s Lakonikos bay project has a big heart!
Green turtle nesting on Cretan beach is confirmed!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS18/05/2026
The nesting season has started in Greece: The first sea turtle nests for 2026 are spotted!
The first nests of the loggerhead sea turtle for 2026 have been found in Kyparissia Bay and in Zakynthos.
- OUR NEWS07/05/2026
ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Tours presented in a Japanese Seminar for Sustainable Tourism
ur Sea Turtle Tours recently featured as a highlight in the Sustainable Tourism International Talk Sessions, organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies.
- OUR NEWS04/05/2026
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opens its doors on World Turtle Day, May 23, and invites young and old to this year’s Kids Turtle Festival 2026 “In Deep Water”.
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is an organized activity that allows participants to get to know the natural environment of the sea turtle nesting site up close. Book your place now!
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.
- OUR NEWS10/04/2026
ARCHELON takes part in Chania's “Move It Now” initiative
Through educational activities, games and discussions, students had the opportunity to understand that every "green" choice in our daily lives is a direct help to the environment.
- OUR NEWS09/04/2026
Coming together for sustainable tourism in Chania
Looking towards the upcoming nesting season, the tourism community of Chania gathered at the city’s Town Hall.
- OUR NEWS08/04/2026
The Return of the “Giant”: Everest Swims Again in Greek Seas After Two Years of Rehabilitation
The story of 'Everest' began in May 2024 in Preveza, when the sea turtle was found with a severe, intentional head injury. Upon arrival at the Rescue Centre, its condition was critical: malnourished, weighing just 81 kg, and suffering from serious buoyancy problems that made survival in the sea impossible.
- OUR NEWS07/04/2026
Through the dust: Rethymno looks for a sustainable future with the sea turtles
Neither the African dust nor the sandstorm of last Wednesday stood in the way of ARCHELON's event at the Rethymno City Hall!
- OUR NEWS02/04/2026
Volunteering Has Never Been More Attractive: Special offers for 2026
ARCHELON invites you to join its field projects and actively protect sea turtles and their habitats.
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!