SEA TURTLE RESCUE CENTER “rescued” during the pandemic by Nele Joachim, a volunteer from the European Solidarity Corps
The lock down in Greece was admittedly very effective in flattening the curve of COVID-19, but had it not been for Nele and a bunch of other volunteers who stayed on, the operation of ARCHELON’s Rescue Center and it’s 20 injured or sick sea turtles would have been at stake. Here is Nele’s story about her experience with ARCHELON.
Cleaning turtles, feeding them and taking care of their treatments became my daily routine and, without a doubt, it is an amazing way to spend a day. I was given the chance to do some minor treatment such as physiotherapy and injections for a small turtle as well which was such an honour and a very special experience to me. The most beautiful period of my stay is now, June and July since we get to release some of our patients! Seeing them go back in the sea is incredible, so relieving and joyful. It makes us all so proud to see our hard work pay off!
The turtles will thank you.”
Nele Joachim came to the Rescue Centre back in November 2019 and successfully finished her EVS volunteer time after 6 fruitful months for her as well as for the proper functioning of this project. She has been such one of the most important members of the volunteer team at the Centre that she decided to extend her volunteer time and is still making a difference by actively contributing to the treatment of injured and sick sea turtles.
European Voluntary Service (EVS), and now European Solidarity Corps (ESC), gives the opportunity to young people from the European Union and cooperating countries, aged 18 to 30 years old, to have a better understanding of their choices in life, their personal limits, as well as to be a part of a higher cause, but at the same time, to be introduced to new occupational opportunities. ARCHELON supports EVS for many years contributing to long-lasting friendships and carving out to people’s environmental awareness.
For more information about ESC, its benefits and ARCHELON, you can visit EU’s European Youth Portal: https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en and https://europa.eu/youth/volunteering/organisation/47933_en.
ARCHELON’s Monitoring Supervisor talks about his role
World’s first for ARCHELON’s latest findings
RECENT NEWS
- 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!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- 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.