Smaro – The first happy
Every time we receive a sick or injured turtle at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada, we canʼt help but think about the time when he/she will once again live freely.
Hereʼs an example of how a parting can be a happy event:
In September 2010, the ARCHELON research team1 spotted a sea turtle in the Ambrakikos Gulf which seemed to be somewhat weak. She was easily captured, an indication that she was not healthy, and transported to the first aid station in Kopraina. Later, in Glyfada now, X-rays confirmed that she was suffering from pneumonia, and treatment was immediately started. And although she had fully recovered in a short time, she had to wait for the warmer months to be released. So, it wasnʼt at all strange that Smaro was our first released turtle for 2011.
On the afternoon of Monday, 30 May, a time of day when there wasnʼt a lot of sun or people on the beach, we saw her find her way towards the sea, and we wished her a happy trip.
Over the next months, other turtles will follow Smaro. The releases take place in mid-week, so as to avoid boat traffic in the sea. The place where each turtle is freed is chosen based on the most direct route to the open sea, and sea currents are also checked so we are sure that the turtle will be able to make it.
Translation by Joanne Stournara
1 Since 2004, ARCHELON conducts two missions a year to the Ambrakiko Gulf. The programme is led by Alan Rees, a long-time volunteer and former Scientific Director of ARCHELON. The mission mainly involves the locating and marking of turtles endemic in the Gulf.
A new beginning for “Damaskinia” and “Marilena”
Introducing volunteerism and sea turtles to children
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS29/06/2026
New Sea Turtle Protection Project in Corfu
ARCHELON partners with the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group to Protect the Nesting Beaches of Corfu
- OUR NEWS26/06/2026
ARCHELON & TUI Turtle Aid Greece: 3 successful years in Crete
With the completion of the “TUI Turtle Aid Greece” project, ARCHELON presents impressive results in nest protection, the hotel employees training and raising awareness among 66,000 tourists.
- OUR NEWS22/06/2026
ARCHELON expresses its sorrow at the loss of Mona Khalil
- OUR NEWS19/06/2026
The world of marine megafauna: New Photo Exhibition at Agiannakis Environmental Station
The Exhibition is part of the LIFE MareNatura Project and is open to the public every Saturday 18:00 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
New data reveals that sea turtles follow much more complex migration strategies
World Sea Turtle Day is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, but also to remember why we continue to research and protect these ancient ocean travellers.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
Coordinated action in Greece, Cyprus and Italy to protect sea turtles against the climate crisis
Today, June 16, the world celebrates World Sea Turtle Day. In the Mediterranean, this celebration comes at a critical turning point.
- OUR NEWS15/06/2026
Turtle Festival: Diving into Deep Waters at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre!
On the occasion of World Sea Turtle Day (June 16), last Saturday the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opened its doors to the public for this year’s Turtle Festival, themed “Into Deep Waters.”
- OUR NEWS09/06/2026
Celebrating World Environment Day with Sea Turtles in Rethymno
Last Friday, ARCHELON's team in Rethymno took part in a special awareness-raising event, co-organized by the Municipality and the 2nd Experimental Primary School of Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2026
Clean beaches, safe turtles: Our guide to responsible action
See some simple but crucial rules that must be followed for clean nesting beaches!
- OUR NEWS29/05/2026
Eight Hotels in northern Crete Receive “Turtle-Friendly” Certification from the TUI Care Foundation.
The eight hotel establishments in Northern Crete are among the first businesses worldwide to receive the new “Turtle-Friendly” certification from the TUI Care Foundation, developed in collaboration with ARCHELON. This distinction recognizes their commitment to protecting the nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle and highlights the importance of cooperation between the tourism sector and nature conservation initiatives.
- OUR NEWS25/05/2026
Greek beaches stand out with 624 "Blue Flags"
On May 14th we met at Paleo Faliro for the official announcement of the 2026 awards of the International Blue Flag Program, organized by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.
- 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, June 13, 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!