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 NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
Against All Odds: A Story of Marine Resilience from Amvrakikos Gulf
One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!
- OUR NEWS29/12/2025
“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals"
- 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.