The examinations behind every diagnosis: A vital step in sea turtle rehabilitation
Every sea turtle that arrives at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre has its own story. Head or carapace injuries caused by boat propellers, entanglement in fishing nets, and ingestion of fishing line or hooks are just some of the reasons why sea turtles need treatment.
However, the problem is not always visible at first. Many turtles arrive without external injuries, while the underlying cause of their condition may be hidden inside their bodies. A common example is the ingestion of fishing line, where it is essential to determine whether a fishing hook is also present and, if so, where it is located.
This is where diagnostic examinations play a crucial role. X-rays are an invaluable tool for our rehabilitation team, both upon admission and throughout the recovery process, helping us determine the appropriate treatment and monitor each turtle’s progress.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Biocare Medical Center for its valuable and long-standing support. For many years, the centre has provided X-ray examinations for sea turtles receiving treatment at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.

This October, be part of their care!
Rescue is only the beginning. From diagnostic examinations and medical treatment to nutrition, medication, and daily care, a sea turtle’s rehabilitation can take months or even years.
As winter approaches, the needs of the Rescue Centre increase significantly. The water in the rehabilitation tanks must be continuously heated, while injured and sick sea turtles continue to arrive throughout the year.
That is why we have launched our fundraising campaign, “October for Sea Turtles,” with a goal of raising €5,000 to help cover essential rehabilitation costs until the end of the year.
Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to the moment when our sea turtle patients are ready to return to the sea.
Help us continue caring for them. Make a donation here.
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS09/10/2026
“Guardians of our ancient sea”: The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles takes place in Greece
The conference is expected to host 240 delegates from 20 Mediterranean countries, including leading researchers and scientists, as well as representatives from protected area management bodies and environmental organizations.
- OUR NEWS06/10/2026
A Wildlife Weekend at the Museum
On the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, ARCHELON participated in the "Wild Weekend", a two-day celebration dedicated to wildlife at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.
- OUR NEWS01/10/2026
October for sea turtles: Help us care for our sea turtle patients this winter
This October, we are launching a fundraising campaign with one clear goal: to raise €5,000 to support the care of our sea turtle patients through the end of 2026.
- OUR NEWS25/09/2026
Together for Crete’s nesting beaches: "Turtle-Friendly Hotel" award ceremonies in Chania and Rethymno
ARCHELON hosted the award ceremonies for the new Turtle-Friendly Hotel certification, as part of the TUI Turtle Aid Greece program in Crete.
- OUR NEWS23/09/2026
We bade farewell to Omiros, the blind sea turtle that traveled from Greece to Cornwall
In September 2026 Omiros, a male Loggerhead sea turtle with a remarkable story, passed away. He had spent the last 16 years of his life at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, having traveled there from Greece.
- OUR NEWS10/09/2026
Sea turtles kept in a restaurant tank in Chania: True love for nature begins with respect.
We all feel a sense of excitement when we encounter a wild animal up close. It is only natural to want to connect with nature, observe it and understand it better.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2026
Schools are back at ARCHELON! A new year full of learning and action
The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS06/09/2026
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
When Amy Carey was 10 years old, she came face to face with a sea turtle while on holiday in Greece. Decades later, at 47, she decided it was time to turn that childhood memory into reality.
- OUR NEWS13/08/2026
Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!
- OUR NEWS10/08/2026
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
A significant victory for the protection of sea turtles in Chania, thanks to the direct cooperation of ARCHELON and NECCA.
- OUR NEWS07/08/2026
Sea turtles of the Saronic Gulf: Why feeding them is not an act of love
The Municipality of Saronikos and ARCHELON are campaigning for the safe and proper coexistence of bathers and wildlife.
- OUR NEWS05/08/2026
Greek fishermen release rare Leatherback Turtle in the North Aegean!
In mid-July, we received a video of an impressive sea turtle that had been caught in the nets of a fishing boat.
- OUR NEWS30/07/2026
Join our Sea Turtle Nest Excavations in Peloponnese and Crete
ARCHELON invites you to a unique experience of environmental education and scientific observation!
- OUR NEWS20/07/2026
43 Years of Tagging Sea Turtles in Greece Reveal Their Journeys in the Mediterranean
A new scientific publication highlights the important marine areas turtles use in the Mediterranean, through ARCHELON’s tagging program in Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay and Rethymno.


