The release of the Caretta caretta “Hannah”
«Hannah», an adult female sea turtle of 52kg and carapace length 74 cm, was found injured in the protected area of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos in June 2016. Thus, it was transferred to the Rescue Centre, which ARCHELON operates in Glyfada, Attica. After two months of treatment from the staff and volunteers of the Rescue Center, which included medication and veterinary care, she was fully recovered.
«Hannah» arrived at Zakynthos Airport, with a flight that was kindly provided by Aegean Airlines and transferred to her release in Laganas Bay, in front of Zante Beach Hotel.
More than 400 people attended this event and witnessed this impressive animal returning to where she belongs, so she can continue the rest of her journey of life.
ARCHELON and Zakynthos National Marine Park had invited the public to take part in the event which gave the opportunity not only to admire the most famous animal on the island, but also to raise awareness for the conservation of natural habitats of the island that relied on the combined effort of the members of society.
Raising awareness about sea turtles and how the public can contribute to their protection is one of the most important elements of ARCHELON and the NMPZ. The sponsor of the event was Louis Zante Beach Hotel, part of Louis Hotel Group Hotels, covered the cost of the treatment of the sea turtle in the Rescue Center of ARCHELON in Glyfada for two months.
Hannah, like other sea turtles who came this summer to nest in Zakynthos, now travels to other parts of the Mediterranean. We hope, we will see her return to Zakynthos in two or three summers to add to the future nesting season.
For more information on the Zakynthos National Marine Park and ARCHELON, you can visit the websites: National Marine Park: http://www.nmp-zak.org (tel. Contact: +30 26950 29870) ARCHELON The Sea turtle Protection Society of Greece: www.archelon.gr (Tel. Contact - Zakynthos: +30 6940454976) Zakynthos 12/09/2016
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